Association of Serum Zinc Level with Severity of Acute Hemolysis in Iranian Children with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Abstract

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency increases the vulnerability of red blood cells to oxidative damage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of serum zinc level with the severity of G6PD deficiency in children with acute hemolysis. Methods: This cross sectional study was performed on 40 children, admitted to hospital due to acute hemolysis of G6PD deficiency. Hemoglobin level, number of transfusions, severity of hemoglobinuria, duration of acute hemolysis, and severity of hemoglobin drop were recorded; moreover, serum zinc level was monitored. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 18. Results: The serum concentration of zinc was higher in male patients compared to females (P = 0.044), while hemoglobin level upon admission was lower in male patients (P = 0.013). The serum level of zinc had no association with hemoglobin level (0.333), number of transfusions (P = 0.604), severity of hemoglobinuria (P = 0.569), duration of acute hemolysis (P = 0.908), and severity of hemoglobin drop (P = 0.932). Conclusions: This study revealed that serum zinc concentration was not associated with the severity of acute hemolysis in G6PD-deficient children.