Problem of iron deficiency in young blood donors and its components: original research

INTRODUCTION. The problem of iron deficiency (ID) among donors is relevant and directly affects the provision of hemocomponents for the blood service. Being at risk for developing iron deficiency, donors are screened before donation, including the study of their hemoglobin level. Moreover, there is no information on the state of iron stores, with the depletion of which iron deficiency anemia develops. In turn, anemia is a contraindication to donation and, consequently, causes medical exemption to donation.

OBJECTIVE. To evaluate change in parameters of iron metabolism and the risk of developing iron deficiency in blood donors and its components in the age group of 18 to 25 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study applied morphological, biochemical and statistical research methods. To achieve this objective, there was a comprehensive analysis of hemogram results and biochemical analysis of blood serum, reflecting iron metabolism in 50 young blood donors and its components, including the assessment of the risk for early iron deficiency development.

RESULTS. The article presents data of own studies regarding iron metabolism in blood donors and its components in the age group of 18 to 25 years. There is a fairly high percentage of developing iron deficiency for persons, belonging to risk groups. The study has shown a decrease in the ferritin level below reference values in 45,8 % of young male donors and 76,9 % – in female donors, which indicates the presence of iron deficiency. Such a high incidence of ID in donors of the age group up to 25 years raises the question about the need for developing the prevention of iron deficiency.

DISCUSSION. Own examination of young donors’ blood and its components and analysis of literature data have determined quite a high percentage of developing iron deficiency in groups at risk, including young donors, that demonstrates the feasibility of applying new approaches to the current standards of donor’s laboratory examination at the level of the blood transfusion department with the prospect of further increase in the volume of donor’s laboratory examinations before donation.

CONCLUSION. A significant part of examined young donors had signs of iron deficiency and was at risk of developing anemia. With increased donor experience the incidence of iron deficiency rises, making it necessary to develop the system of preventing and correcting iron metabolism disorders in order to preserve the donor contingent’s health.

marine medicine, donor, iron deficiency, risk, ferritin, transport iron

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