Background and Objectives
If transfusion of older stored red cells is found to negatively affect clinical outcome, one possible alternative to shortened outdate is the use of new additive solutions (AS) that ameliorate the storage lesion. Erythro‐Sol (E‐Sol), a previously developed next‐generation AS, has been reformulated into E‐Sol 5, which is compatible with current anticoagulants and AS volumes. The effect of E‐Sol 5 on red cells during storage compared to current AS has not been reported.
Materials and Methods
Paired, ABO‐matched whole‐blood units were collected into CPD anticoagulant, pooled, split and processed into plasma and red cell units with either 110 ml of Adsol or 105 ml of E‐Sol 5 within 8 h of collection. In Study 1, paired units in E‐Sol 5 and Adsol were sampled on Day 0 and every 7 days up to Day 42 (n = 10). In Study 2, paired units in E‐Sol 5 and Adsol were sampled only on Day 0 and Day 42 (n = 10).
Results
In Study 1, 2,3 DPG levels were maintained until Day 28 in E‐Sol 5 units and Day 14 in Adsol units. ATP levels were higher in E‐Sol 5 units until Day 21, after which they were comparable between the two groups. In both studies, metabolic activity was greater in E‐Sol 5 units with respect to glucose consumption and lactate production. Morphology scores were higher, and haemolysis and microparticles generated were lower in E‐Sol 5 vs. Adsol units. Weekly mixing of units lowered haemolysis and microparticle levels and increased potassium content on Day 42 in both additive solutions.
Conclusion
Regardless of whether units are mixed weekly or are stored non‐mixed, E‐Sol 5 slows the progression of the red cell storage lesion and improves the overall in vitro quality of RBC throughout storage.