Adenine metabolism during and after exchange transfusions in newborn infants with CPD-adenine blood

CPD-adenine blood (adenine in a final concentration of 0.25 mmol/1) was used in exchange transfusions in four newborn infants. The amount of adenine in one exchange transfusion ranged from 27 to 29 mumol per kg bodyweight. The maximum P-adenine concentration during the exchange transfusions ranged from 4 to 8 mumol/1 but decreased to pretransfusion levels 20 minutes after the exchange transfusions. During a 24-hour period following the exchange transfusions, the total urine excretion of adenine and 2,8-dihydroxyadenine corresponded to 0.5 to 1.3 per cent of the given adenine dose calculated on a molar basis. Accumulated data indicate that CPD-adenine blood can be used even in repeated exchange transfusions in newborn infants.