Comparative Analysis of Storage Lesion of Cord Blood And Adult Homologous Blood; A Base to Establish Cord Blood Banks in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of collecting Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) and its efficacy for
autologous transfusion to infants by measuring collected volume and by determining storage
related changes in comparison with Homologous Adult Blood (HAB).
Methods: We collected 50 UCB & 50 HAB units on basis of inclusion criteria. Blood volume was
calculated for each unit, microbiological cultures were done on 7th day. Samples from each unit
were obtained on Days 0, 15 & 30 to be evaluated for hemoglobin, cell counts, hematocrit,
hemolysis rate, potassium levels & Red cell ATPlevels.
Results: Volume of HAB units was 470±15 ml while that of UCB was 70±25 ml. Bacterial culture
were +ve in 2 HAB units (4%) & 5 UCB units (10%). In UCB units; Hb, RBC & K+ levels increased
while WBC, PLT counts & ATP levels decreased during standardized storage of 30 days. All these
findings were comparable & statistically non-significant to HAB changes except K+ levels which
were significantly more in HAB. Checked by paired Student t test, p-value > 0.05. The changes
were in permissible limits for transfusion.
Conclusions: The collected volume of UCB was sufficient for at least two transfusions.
Provided the collection technique is more sterile, UCB can be collected & stored for at least 30
days in our health-care settings.