Time-Dependent Changes in Malondialdehyde and Free-Hemoglobin in Leukoreduced and Non-Leukoreduced Canine Packed Red Blood Cells Units During Storage

Storage of Blood units determines the accumulation of harmful substances, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and free hemoglobin (fHb). These may lead to several complications, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders in recipients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of MDA and fHb in canine leukoreduced (LR) and non-leukoreduced (NLR) packed red blood cells (pRBC) during the storage period of six weeks. Blood samples were collected from six healthy adult Weimaraner dogs (three females and three males). Whole blood was stored in citrate-phosphate-dextrose saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol additive solution (CPD-SAGM) bags and, for each donor, two pRBC units (one NLR and one LR) were produced and stored at 4 °C for 42 days. Samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42, and analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA) using a canine-specific ELISA method, and for free hemoglobin (fHb) using the Harboe direct spectrophotometric method. The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in MDA accumulation in LR-pRBC compared to NLR-pRBC blood units and lower values of fHb in LR at T6. However, no significant difference in fHb levels were demonstrated. These findings suggest that leukoreduction may limit oxidative stress during blood storage, reducing the potential adverse effects of transfusions related to oxidative damage.