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Am J Perinatol 2013; 30(09): 765-770
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1332803
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Lead Content of Blood Transfusions for Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants

Mohamad T. Elabiad
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
,
Rebecca E. Hook
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
2   Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School, Dallas Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

15 August 2012

23 October 2012

Publication Date:
15 January 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Objective Our objective was to evaluate the levels of lead in blood transfusions for extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants and how they compare with lead levels suspected of causing neurotoxicity.

Study Design This prospective cohort included infants with a birth weight ≤ 1000 g. The quantity of transfused lead was calculated based on transfused volume and packed red blood cell (PRBC) unit lead levels. The results were compared with the exposure reference.

Results Thirty-seven infants (birth weight 736 ± 157 g, gestational age 25.5 ± 1.5 weeks) received 322 transfusions from 47 PRBC units with 6.5 ± 3.5 different units used to complete all transfusions per infant. Lead was detected in all units. The average lead level in a PRBC unit was 18.3 ± 10.4 µg/L. Of 322 transfusions, 139 (43%) had lead volumes that exceeded the exposure reference. All infants received at least one transfusion with a lead volume exceeding the daily reference dose equivalent, and four infants (11%) received several transfusions with a cumulative lead volume exceeding the weekly reference dose.

Conclusion Blood transfusions are a potential source of lead for ELBW infants with unknown safety implications in this critical time of brain development.

Keywords

lead - blood transfusions - infants - PRBC
 

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