Immune system changes in cytapheresis donors

Abstract

In vitro measurements of several variables of the immune system were made in 21 healthy donors who had been subjected to frequent cytapheresis and a group of whole blood donor controls matched for age and sex. Significant changes noted in the apheresis donors compared to controls included a 23% lower mean absolute lymphocyte count (P < 0.01), a 25% lower mean T cell count (P < 0.01), and a 46% lower mean B cell count (P < 0.001). Serum protein changes included a 27% lower mean gamma globulin level (P < 0.01), and a 14% lower mean IgG leel (P < 0.05) in the apheresis donors when compared to the control group. The possible implications of these findings are diuscussed. Donors undergoing multiple cytapheresis procedures should be closely monitored to determine the safe donation frequency.