Analysis of changes in serum calcium and magnesium levels during plateletpheresis on different apheresis machines in healthy donors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The most common observed complication of plateletpheresis procedure is hypocalcemia due to citrate’s chelation of free calcium. Magnesium is also affected by citrate infusion. We have evaluated the impact of plateletpheresis on the total serum calcium (Ca ++ ) and magnesium (Mg ++ ) levels of the donor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-seven healthy plateletpheresis donors were included in the study. Samples were collected from the donor at 0 min (baseline), 30 min, and 60 min, at the end of the procedure and 30 min after completion of the procedure. The pattern of changes in serum Ca ++ and serum Mg ++ levels at different time points for different apheresis machines (Fenwal Amicus, Fresenius COM.TEC, Spectra Optia, and Hemonetics MCS+) was studied. RESULTS: A significant decline in serum Ca ++ and serum Mg ++ levels from baseline to the end of the procedure was observed. This decline was observed maximum for Hemonetics MCS+. The baseline values were regained 30 min after completion of the procedure. Difference from baseline values 30 min after the procedure was lowest in amicus in the case of serum Ca ++ and COM.TEC in case of serum Mg ++ . Twenty donors (14.60%) experienced adverse donor reactions. CONCLUSION: Serum calcium and serum magnesium levels decreased transiently during the procedure and regained normal values after 30 min of the completion of the plateletpheresis procedure on all four apheresis machines (whether based on continuous or intermittent centrifugation). Hence, it is concluded from our study that plateletpheresis is a well-tolerated and safe procedure.