Dietary intake of heme iron is associated with ferritin and hemoglobin levels in Dutch blood donors: results from Donor InSight

Evaluation of dietary composition between hemoglobin categories, total body iron content and adherence to multi-micronutrients in preschooler residents of the highlands of Puno, Peru

BACKGROUND

The anemia prevalence is higher in highlands populations. It is assumed that iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children is mainly due to low dietary intake. However, other suggest that high prevalence of anemia is due to an inappropriate hemoglobin (Hb) adjustment for altitude.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study conducted in 338 preschoolers (PSC) from Puno-Peru. Hb was measured in whole blood, and ferritin, Soluble transferrin receptor, and Interleukin 6 in serum.The dietary iron intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall, using NutriCap Software. Hb concentration was assessed as adjusted or unadjusted for altitude.

RESULTS

With unadjusted Hb, the anemia prevalence was 4.7%, whereas after Hb correction, the prevalence raised-up to 65.6% (p < 0.001). Reciprocally, erythrocytosis proportion decreased from 20.35 to 0.30% (p < 0.001). Total Body Iron (TBI) showed that 7.44% had ID and 0.32% had IDA. PSC with normal unadjusted Hb levels have more protein and micronutrients intake than anemic ones. PSC with erythrocytosis consumed less fat, and more niacin and ascorbic acid than anemics. Total iron intake was lower in anemic than the other groups, but without statistical significance due to the standard deviation of the data in a small number of anemic PSC (n = 16). TBI, unadjusted Hb, and adjusted Hb were not different between groups consuming or not multimicronutrients.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of iron and iron status in children who live at high altitude is adequate, and that anemia could be due to other micronutrient deficiencies and/or that the adjustment of Hb by altitude is inappropriate.

Iron supplementation: A qualitative study on the perception of blood donors, blood collection staff and donor physicians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Iron supplementation is an effective strategy to mitigate donation-induced iron deficiency in blood donors. However, evidence on the perception of individuals involved in blood donation on iron supplementation as a blood service policy is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of whole blood donors (donors), blood collection staff (collection staff) and donor physicians (physicians) regarding donation-induced iron loss and iron supplementation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Online focus group discussions had four to six participants and followed a structured questioning approach. All participants had to be fluent in Dutch to participate, and donors had donated at least five times. Sixteen donors, eight collection staff members and four physicians participated in this study. Recordings were transcribed, coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Awareness of donation-induced iron loss was limited in donors. Donors and physicians were predominantly positive towards iron supplementation; the primary motivator for donors was to prevent deferral and reduce iron-deficiency-related symptoms. Improving donor health was the main argument for physicians to advocate iron supplementation. Staff had a critical view on iron supplementation as a policy, as they perceived it as unethical and possibly ineffective. A knowledge gap might underlie their concerns.

CONCLUSION

Most individuals involved in blood donation are positive towards iron supplementation as a blood service policy. If implemented, guidance and monitoring is desired and adequate education of all stakeholders is required.

'Ironing out the risk': Assessing the effect of plateletpheresis donation frequency on iron stores in South-Asian male donors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Repeated blood donation is a well-known cause of iron deficiency among donors. However, present scientific literature lacks comprehensive evidence regarding the impact of regular plateletpheresis procedures on body iron reserves. In this study, we aimed to detect and correlate iron deficiency (using iron indices) with the frequency of platelet donations. Additionally, we also analysed the correlation between other iron and haematological indices with serum ferritin to determine cost-effective parameters that may serve as an initial screening approach to determine which donors should be subjected to serum ferritin testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 180 male participants from our platelet donor registry were enrolled in this observational cross-sectional study. Enrolment questionnaires were administered to eligible donors, and biological samples were collected during plateletpheresis donation. Biological tests such as complete blood count, reticulocyte indices, iron indices, vitamin B12 and folate were performed.

RESULTS

Donors with ≥12 donations per year showed the highest prevalence of low ferritin (serum ferritin: 15-30 ng/mL) and absent iron stores (serum ferritin <15 ng/mL) (41.3% and 26.7%, respectively). Ferritin showed a significant negative correlation with recent (r = -0.346) and lifetime donations (r = -0.196). The efficacy of other indices for identifying iron depletion was much better using a serum ferritin value <15 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

Regular plateletpheresis donations can lead to varying severities of non-anaemic iron deficiency. Blood centres must regularly monitor frequent plateletpheresis donors (especially donors with more than 11 donations in a calendar year) and ideally maintain their serum ferritin above 30 ng/mL.

Correlation of hemoglobin with osteoporosis in elderly Chinese population: A cross-sectional study

Introduction

In the elder population, both low hemoglobin (Hb)/anemia and osteoporosis (OP) are highly prevalent. However, the relationship between Hb and OP is still poorly understood. This study was to evaluate the correlation between Hb and OP in Chinese elderly population.

Methods

One thousand and sisty-eight individuals aged 55-85 years were enrolled into this cross-sectional study during June 2019-November 2019. Data on the demographics and clinical characteristics were recorded. Detections of complete blood count, liver/kidney function, glucose metabolism and lipid profile, and thoracolumbar X-ray were performed, and bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine 1-4, femur neck, and total hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were employed to evaluate the correlation between Hb with BMD T-score. Logistic regression analysis was performed to access the correlation between different Hb levels and the odds ratio (OR) for OP.

Results

Compared with non-OP group, OP patients had lower level of Hb. Univariate linear regression analysis indicated Hb level was positively related to the BMD of lumbar spine 1-4, femur neck and total hip, and this relationship remained after adjusting confounding variables [gender, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus (DM) and morphological vertebral fracture]. Logistic regression analysis showed the ORs for OP decreased with the increase of Hb. Compared with the subjects with the lowest quartile of Hb, the OR for OP in the highest quartile group was 0.60 (0.41-0.89) after adjusting for gender, age and BMI, and the OR for OP was 0.62 (0.41-0.92) after further adjustment for gender, age, BMI, DM, and lipid indexes.

Discussion

In conclusion, Lower Hb level is related to lower BMD in the elderly population. However, whether Hb level could be used to predict the risk of OP needs to be further determined in more longitudinal clinical studies.

Iron status of blood donors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines recent research on the prevalence and importance of iron deficiency in blood donors, and on efforts to mitigate it.

RECENT FINDINGS

Premenopausal females, teenagers, and high-frequency donors are at the highest risk for donation-induced iron deficiency, in both high-resource and low-resource settings. The physiology relating iron stores to hemoglobin levels and low hemoglobin deferral is well elucidated in blood donor populations, yet the clinical effects attributable to iron loss in the absence of anemia are challenging to identify. Expanded adoption of ferritin testing is improving donor management but may cause decreases in the blood supply from temporary donor loss. The potential for personalized donor management is emerging with development of computational models that predict individual interdonation intervals that aim to optimize blood collected from each donor while minimizing low hemoglobin deferrals.

SUMMARY

Measures to reduce iron deficiency are available that can be deployed on a standardized or, increasingly, personalized basis. Blood centers, regulators, and donors should continue to evaluate different tactics for addressing this problem, to obtain a balanced approach that is optimal for maintaining adequate collections while safeguarding donor health.

Individual and environmental determinants of serum ferritin levels: A structural equation model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Serum ferritin levels are increasingly being used to assess iron stores. Considerable variation in ferritin levels within and between individuals has been observed, but our current understanding of factors that explain this variation is far from complete. We aim to combine multiple potential determinants in an integrative model, and investigate their relative importance and potential interactions.

METHODS

We use ferritin measurements collected by Sanquin Blood Bank on both prospective (N = 59 596) and active blood donors (N = 78 318) to fit a structural equation model with three latent constructs (individual characteristics, donation history, and environmental factors). Parameters were estimated separately by sex and donor status.

RESULTS

The model explained 25% of ferritin variance in prospective donors, and 40% in active donors. Individual characteristics and donation history were the most important determinants of ferritin levels in active donors. The association between environmental factors and ferritin was smaller but still substantial; higher exposure to air pollution was associated with higher ferritin levels, and this association was considerably stronger for active blood donors than for prospective donors.

DISCUSSION

In active donors, individual characteristics explain 20% (17%) of ferritin variation, donation history explains 14% (25%) and environmental factors explain 5% (4%) for women (men). Our model presents known ferritin determinants in a broader perspective, allowing for comparison with other determinants as well as between new and active donors, or between men and women.

A computational model for prediction of ferritin and haemoglobin levels in blood donors

Blood donors are at risk of iron deficiency anaemia. While this risk is decreased through ferritin-based deferral, ideally ferritin monitoring should also aid in optimising donation frequencies. We extended an existing model of haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis with iron homeostasis and validated the model on a cohort of 300 new donors whose ferritin levels were measured from stored blood samples collected over a 2-year period. We then used the donor's gender, body weight, height, and baseline Hb and ferritin levels to predict subsequent Hb and ferritin levels. The prediction error was within measurement variability in 88% of Hb level predictions and 64% of ferritin level predictions. A sensitivity analysis of the model revealed that baseline ferritin level was the most important in predicting future ferritin levels. Finally, we used the model to calculate the annual donation frequency at which donors would keep their ferritin level >15 ng/ml when measured after donating for 2 years. The mean annual donation frequency would then be 1.9 for women and 4.1 for men. The computational model, requiring baseline values only, can predict future Hb and ferritin levels remarkably well. This enables determination of optimal donation frequencies for individual donors at the start of their donation career.

Ferritin Trajectories over Repeated Whole Blood Donations: Results from the FIND+ Study

BACKGROUND

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 two years in an observational cohort study. Latent classes of ferritin level trajectories were investigated separately using growth mixture models for male and female donors. General linear mixed models assessed associations of ferritin levels with subsequent iron deficiency and/or low hemoglobin.

RESULTS

Two groups of donors were identified using group-based trajectory modeling in both genders. 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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Association between Iron Intake and Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Iron overload is drawing attention in the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). To identify the modifiable risk factors for iron-related pathological conditions, we examined the association between iron intake and the risk of knee OA progression. Methods: A total of 1912 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), aged 45−79 years and with at least one knee radiographic OA at baseline, were identified and were followed up to 6 years. The iron and other nutrient intake was measured by the validated Block Brief 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire. The outcome measures were by radiographic progression on the basis of the Kellgren−Lawrence (KL) grade and the joint-space-narrowing (JSN) score. The association between the iron intake and the knee OA progression was examined by Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. Results: Among the study participants, 409 participants experienced KL-grade progression, and 684 participants experienced JSN-score progression within 6 years. Overall, the association between iron intake and the risk of KL-grade progression followed a U shape (p for nonlinearity < 0.001). The risk of KL-grade progression was significantly lower in participants with iron intakes of <16.5 mg/day (per mg/day: adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 0.75; 95% CI (confidence interval), 0.64−0.89), and it was higher in those with iron intakes ≥16.5 mg/day (per mg/day: HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04−1.38). Consistently, when the iron intake was assessed as deciles, compared to those in Deciles 3−5 (10.9−23.3 mg/day), the risk of KL-grade progression was higher for Deciles 1−2 (≤10.9 mg/day: HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.17−2.10) and for Deciles 6−10 (>23.3 mg/day: adjusted HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.19−2.16). Similar U-shaped relations were found for iron intake with the risk of JSN-score progression (p for nonlinearity = 0.035). Conclusions: There was a U-shaped association between the iron intake and the progression of knee OA, with an inflection point at about 16.5 mg/day, and minimal risk from 10.9 to 23.3 mg/day of iron intake. An appropriate iron intake was advisable for knee OA, whereas excessive or deficient iron intake increased the risk of knee OA progression.

Dietary iron intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in middle-aged and older adults in urban China: a prospective cohort study

The association between dietary Fe intake and diabetes risk remains inconsistent. We aimed to explore the association between dietary Fe intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk in middle-aged and older adults in urban China. This study used data from the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study, an on-going community-based prospective cohort study. Participants were recruited from 2008 to 2013 in Guangzhou community. A total of 2696 participants aged 40-75 years without T2DM at baseline were included in data analyses, with a median of 5·6 (interquartile range 4·1-5·9) years of follow-up. T2DM was identified by self-reported diagnosis, fasting glucose ≥ 7·0 mmol/l or glycosylated Hb ≥ 6·5 %. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI. We ascertained 205 incident T2DM cases during 13 476 person-years. The adjusted HR for T2DM risk in the fourth quartile of haem Fe intake was 1·92 (95 % CI 1·07, 3·46; Ptrend = 0·010), compared with the first quartile intake. These significant associations were found in haem Fe intake from total meat (HR 2·74; 95 % CI 1·22, 6·15; Ptrend = 0·011) and haem Fe intake from red meat (HR 1·86; 95 % CI 1·01, 3·44; Ptrend = 0·034), but not haem Fe intake from processed meat, poultry or fish/shellfish. The association between dietary intake of total Fe or non-haem Fe with T2DM risk had no significance. Our findings suggested that higher dietary intake of haem Fe (especially from red meat), but not total Fe or non-haem Fe, was associated with greater T2DM risk in middle-aged and older adults.

Management of children with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency presenting with acute haemolytic crisis during the SARs-COV-2 pandemic

Background and Objectives

Shortage of blood during the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐COV‐2 (SARs‐COV‐2) pandemic impacted transfusion practice. The primary aim of the study is to assess management of acute haemolytic crisis (AHC) in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD)‐ deficient children during SARs‐COV‐2 pandemic, and then to assess blood donation situation and the role of telemedicine in management.

Methods

Assessment of G6PD‐deficient children attending the Emergency Department (ER) with AHC from 1 March 2020 for 5 months in comparison to same period in the previous 2 years, in three paediatric haematology centres. AHC cases presenting with infection were tested for SARs‐COV‐2 using RT‐PCR. Children with Hb (50–65 g/L) and who were not transfused, were followed up using telemedicine with Hb re‐checked in 24 h.

Results

A 45% drop in ER visits due to G6PD deficiency‐related AHC during SARs‐COV‐2 pandemic in comparison to the previous 2 years was observed. 10% of patients presented with fever and all tested negative for COVID‐19 by RT‐PCR. 33% of patients had Hb < 50 g/L and were all transfused. 50% had Hb between 50 and 65 g/L, half of them (n = 49) did not receive transfusion and only two patients (4%) required transfusion upon follow up. A restrictive transfusion strategy was adopted and one of the reasons was a 39% drop in blood donation in participating centres.

Conclusion

Fewer G6PD‐deficient children with AHC visited the ER during SARs‐COV‐2 and most tolerated lower Hb levels. Telemedicine was an efficient tool to support their families. A restrictive transfusion strategy was clear in this study.

Diagnostic Relevance of Ferrokinetic Laboratory Markers in Anemic Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVES

Different forms of anemia are considered as the most frequent complication of the gestational period. By its etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical hematology, it is not a single disease. Among all forms of anemia occurring during pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common, accounting for 80-95% of all cases.

DESIGN

The article describes a theoretical basis for the diagnosis of the anemic syndrome among pregnant women, the determining factors of its development, and the diagnostic methods at different gestational periods. Participants/Materials, Setting, and Methods: Diagnostic and prognostic values of iron balance indicators in the body were established for IDA during pregnancy to improve the outcome of childbirth. A total of 140 anemic patients were examined. The control group consisted of 50 pregnant women without anemia and other significant health problems, 48 IDA pregnant women, and 42 pregnant women with anemia caused by various chronic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. All patients of the main and control groups were registered on clinical records at the Family Planning Center in Aktobe city, Kazakhstan.

RESULTS

Ferrokinetic indicators were suggested for diagnosing IDA and anemia of chronic diseases. It was established that IDA is characterized by low ferritin levels during gestation, while increased ferritin and C-reactive protein are typical for anemia of chronic diseases.

LIMITATIONS

Differential diagnostics was applied for pregnant women with IDA and anemia of chronic diseases to observe the dynamics of serum ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at different gestational periods. The article presents the results of a study on ferrokinetics in pregnant women with IDA and anemia caused by inflammation or chronic diseases. Other causes of anemia leading to a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) levels to <90 g/L include hemoglobinopathies, which were not considered in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of iron deficiency in pregnant women at different gestational periods will allow for identifying the risk group of anemic patients and deciding on the treatment. IDA (Hb <100 g/L) can be effectively measured by ferritin level <15 ng/mL, iron level of <11.5 μmol/L, and transferrin level >2.6 mg/L at p < 0.001. Anemia due to chronic diseases (Hb <100 g/L) can be effectively diagnosed with ferritin above 15 μg/L and CRP above 10 mg/L at p < 0.001.