Bone marrow is a substance that is found inside the bones and is partly responsible for the production of blood cells. Its dysfunction can be at the origin of certain serious diseases of the blood – leukemia, lymphomas, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia … The bone marrow transplant is, for many of these patients, a vital act.
On March 22, 2021, the Biomedicine Agency launched the campaign # Les20000. It ends on September 18, on the occasion of the 7th World Day for Bone Marrow Donation. What assessment? Since the start of the campaign, nearly 10,000 new registrants have joined the French register of voluntary bone marrow donors. In order to reach the 20,000 target by the end of 2021, the mobilization is continuing.
7 good reasons to become a donor
1-Because we can save a life
“The bone marrow is responsible for the formation of hematopoietic stem cells. Clearly, they are those which produce all the blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Bone marrow is therefore essential to life and its dysfunction is cause serious blood diseases, such as leukemia. The transplant can to cure 80% of serious blood diseases“, explains the Biomedicine Agency.
2-Because we feel useful
Becoming a bone marrow donor is a strong gesture, which requires informing oneself, thinking carefully about one’s commitment, but above all which can save a life.
3-Because it doesn’t take a long time
In 80% of cases, bone marrow samples are taken by cytapheresis. The principle is the same as a donation of blood platelets. It just takes a little longer, it takes
count about 4 hours and it is organized between one and three months in advance.
4-Because it does not impact the donor’s bone marrow
Bone marrow harvesting only robs the donor of a small portion of their bone marrow cells. The quantity to be withdrawn is calculated according to the weight of the donor. What’s more, the donor’s bone marrow cells regenerate quickly, within days.
5-Because recipients rely on a large number of donors
The richer and more diversified the donor register, the greater the probability of finding a compatible donor for a patient waiting in France or in the world.
6-Because it costs nothing
It is an altruistic and free gift. The EFS bears the costs associated with the direct debit.
7-Because it’s quick and easy to register
3 conditions: be in good health, be between 18 and 35 years old (even if you can make a donation up to 60 years old) and answer a medical questionnaire.
Why did you lower the age limit for donors?
Since January 1, 2021, the age limit for registration in the French register of voluntary bone marrow donors was lowered to 35, instead of 51.
To receive bone marrow, the genetic profile must be compatible. Between 18 and 35 years old, the grafts are richer in cells and make it possible to carry out grafts which take quickly. It is for this reason that the age limit for giving has been lowered.
“The criteria for selecting donors by transplant doctors have evolved over time and since the creation of the French registry in the 1980s. Today, more than 70% of donors collected, whether in France or abroad , are less than 35 years old “underlines the Biomedicine Agency. “When a choice is possible, transplant doctors favor young donors for better results. Bone marrow transplants taken from young donors are indeed richer in stem cells and therefore allow patients to engage in faster engraftment. “
How does a bone marrow donation work?
First, you have to pre-register online. The conditions of access to bone marrow donation are: be between 18 and 35 years old, be in perfect health, and agree to answer a medical questionnaire and take a biological sample (of saliva or blood, upon final registration) ). Prior medical examinations are carried out approximately 3 weeks before the donation.
Two sampling methods … which are not painful!
It should not be confused with a donation of spinal cord. It is in no way painful! It’s like donating blood 75% of the time. The only difference is that it is a little longer and that it is organized 3 months in advance.
Once the enrollment is validated and compatibility with a patient has been established, there are 2 modes of bone marrow cell harvesting:
- the apheresis sampling represents 75% of cases. A few days before the donation, the donor receives a drug injection that stimulates the production of bone marrow cells and facilitates their recovery. The blood test lasts between 3 and 4 hours: it does not require anesthesia or hospitalization. The side effects are minor: one can observe a small fever and / or aches.
- the sampling by puncture in the posterior pelvic bones requires 48 hours of hospitalization. This act takes place in the operating room, under general anesthesia. There is no risk of paralysis. The volume withdrawn is calculated according to the weight of the donor and that of the patient.
Good to know : donating bone marrow is not painful. And it can save lives!
Sources:
- Press release France ADOT (Federation of Associations for the Donation of Human Organs and Tissues).
- Biomedicine Agency press release, March 18, 2021 and September 9, 2021.
Read also :
- Testimonial: I donated my bone marrow
- ” Donate my bone marrow to save a life? I did not hesitate ”
- A Christmas sweater to raise awareness about bone marrow donation
