Ferritin trajectories over repeated whole blood donations: results from the FIND+ study

Abstract

Background: Whole blood donors lose approximately 200-250 mg of iron per donation. Depending on post-donation erythropoiesis, available iron stores, and iron absorption rates, optimal donation intervals may differ between donors. This project aims to define subpopulations of donors with different ferritin trajectories over repeated donations. Methods: Ferritin levels of 300 new whole blood donors were measured from stored (lookback) samples from each donation over a two-year period in an observational cohort study. Latent classes of ferritin level trajectories were investigated using growth mixture models for male and female donors, separately. Associations of ferritin levels with subsequent iron deficiency and/or low haemoglobin were assessed with generalized linear mixed models. Results: In both genders two groups of donors were identified using group-based trajectory modelling. Ferritin levels showed rather linear reductions among 42.9% of male donors and 87.7% of female donors. For the remaining groups of donors, steeper declines in ferritin levels were observed. Ferritin levels at baseline and the end of follow-up varied greatly between groups. Conclusion: Repeated ferritin measurements show depleting iron stores in all new whole blood donors, the level at which mainly depends on baseline ferritin levels. Tailored, less intensive donation strategies might help to prevent low iron in donors, and could be supported with ferritin monitoring and/or iron supplementation.

Effectiveness of Ferritin-guided Donation Intervals in Blood Donors: Results of the Stepped-wedge Cluster Randomised FIND’EM Trial

“…34,35 Additionally, because of more stable iron stores due to the healthy donor effect, combined with lower donation frequency and ferritin levels in this group, may result in less pronounced improvements compared to other groups. 36,37…”