#OA3-AM25-TU-20 - The Effect of Plasma Donation Frequency on Lipid Profile: Results from a Randomized Controlled Study

Elevated total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) and lipoprotein A (Lp(a)) should also be considered in the risk assessment. In some studies, plasmapheresis has been shown to reduce these lipid markers in donors. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effect of different plasma donation frequencies on donor lipid profiles.

Study

Design/Methods:

One hundred twenty male blood donors were randomized 1:1:1 to donate plasma three times per two weeks (high-frequency plasma donors (HFPDs), once per two weeks (regular-frequency plasma donors, RFPDs), or whole blood every 3 months (controls) over 16 weeks. Blood samples were collected biweekly from baseline (W1) to week 16 (W16). Each plasma donation was 650 mL. Lipid biomarkers were analyzed using t-tests and mixed-effects models. The study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Health Research Ethics in Norway and performed according to the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants gave informed consent.

Results/Findings:

Results: Thirty-four, 40, and 36 donors were included in the HFPDs, RFPDs, and controls, respectively.  Mean (SD) age was 46.0 (11.6), 46.9 (9.7), and 46.3 (12.0) years. Median (range) previous plasma donations were 2 (1-35), 1(0-76), and 1 (0-32) in the HFPDs, RFPDs, and controls, respectively.  The HFPDs completed median (range) 21.5 (1-24), RFPDs 8 (1-8), and controls 2 (1-2) donations.

At baseline, elevated TC >7.0 mmol/L was seen in 2 (5.9%) HFPDs, 1 (2.5%) RFPDs, and 2 (5.6%) controls. LDL-C > 5.0 mmol/L was found in 1 (2.9%), 4 (10%), and 2 (5.6%), and HDL-C < 1.0 mmol/L 2 (5.9%), 5 (12.5%), and 1 (2.8%) donor, respectively. These levels reflect the suggested primary prevention thresholds in Norway for individuals without other cardiovascular risk factors. Between 60-80 % of the donors had TC >5 mmol/L and/or LDL-C >3.0 mmol/L, which are treatment thresholds in people aged ≥45 years with increased cardiovascular risk. All were advised to contact their GP for further assessment.

Only LDL-C was significantly reduced in controls after two whole blood donations from W1 to W16. For the rest of the lipid biomarkers, no significant within-group differences were observed from W1 to W16, nor between groups at W16 (Figure 1).

Conclusions:

Plasma donation frequencies of three per two weeks and once per two weeks had no effect on lipid biomarker concentration in healthy blood donors after 16 weeks of donation.