Non‐transferrin‐bound iron during allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Hydroxyl radical formation catalysed by non‐transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI) might contribute to transplantation‐related complications. The occurrence of NTBI in 10 adult allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) patients was followed for 20 d. The transferrin saturation reached 99% on d −4 and remained > 80% thereafter. NTBI, measured as bleomycin‐detectable iron, was detected for 6–18 d in all patients with a peak on d −4. High transferrin saturation levels were associated with the appearance of NTBI with a threshold at 80% saturation. Prevention of the potential deleterious effects of NTBI might reduce transplantation‐related morbidity.