Prospective multicentre study of the effect of voluntary plasmapheresis on plasma cholesterol levels in donors

Abstract

Background and Objectives LDL apheresis is used to treat patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia, and low-volume plasmapheresis for plasma donation may similarly lower cholesterol levels in some donors. This study was designed to assess the effect of plasmapheresis on total, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in a plasma donor population.Materials and Methods This was a prospective, unblinded longitudinal cohort study in which a blood sample was obtained for analysis before each donation. Data from 663 donors were analysed using a multivariable repeated measures regression model with a general estimating equations approach with changes in cholesterol as the primary outcome measure.Results The model predicted a significant decrease in total and LDL cholesterol for both genders and all baseline cholesterol levels (P < 0·01). The greatest total cholesterol decreases (women, −46·8 mg/dL; men, −32·2 mg/dL) were associated with high baseline levels and 2–4 days between donations. Small but statistically significant increases (P ≤ 0·01) in HDL cholesterol were predicted for donors with low baseline levels.Conclusions These results suggest that, in donors with elevated baseline cholesterol levels, total and LDL cholesterol levels may decrease during routine voluntary plasmapheresis.

Clinical effect of therapeutic hemapheresis and plasmapheresis therapy in blood diseases

“…Patients reported mild nausea and dizziness. Therapeutic hemapheresis was continuously offered after the corresponding treatment, which contributed to a sharp reduction of leukocytes [10]. No untoward effects were observed.…”

The effect of plasmapheresis on blood pressure in voluntary plasma donors

“…Participants in the prospective, longitudinal cohort trial were 18‐69 years old and from nine US donation centers. They were new donors or previous donors who had not donated for at least 6 months . Donors met all industry standards for plasma donation, including all standard BP requirements for donor participation.…”

“…Along with extensive testing , donors are questioned regarding their recent medical history and medications and are monitored for haematocrit, protein, blood pressure (BP), heart rate and temperature prior to each donation. Donors with values outside an acceptable range are temporarily deferred, and multiple out of range values may result in permanent deferral.…”

“…Donors who undergo plasmapheresis under these standardized conditions experience a low incidence of adverse events . However, multiple donations can affect the protein content of plasma since experienced donors generally have lower levels of immunoglobulins, albumin and total serum protein , and a decrease in cholesterol has been reported in donors with high baseline cholesterol levels .…”

“…However, the effect of plasmapheresis on BP has rarely been reported, and studies generally involve assessments of immediate BP changes . In a recent study evaluating the effect of plasmapheresis on cholesterol levels in healthy donors , BP data were collected prior to each donation. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the possible effects of plasma donation on BP in the donor population.…”