Serum trace elements in childhood anemia: A prospective case control study

Abstract

Aim: To study the serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in children with iron deficiency anemia in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: A prospective case control study was conducted over a period of 18 months in a tertiary care chil- dren's hospital to study the serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in children with iron deficiency anemia in comparison with healthy controls. A total of 35 children with anemia and 35 controls were enrolled for the study. Results: The normal serum copper, zinc and selenium levels were 510-1530 µg/L, 600-1200 µg/L and 55-130 µg/L respectively. Mean serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in children with anemia were 1589 ± 529.7, 568 ± 252.8 and 71 ± 41.5 µg/L respectively and in controls the levels were 892 ± 368.3, 890 ± 213.9 and 102 ± 39.2 µg/L (P < 0.05) showing decreased serum zinc and selenium levels and increased copper levels in children with iron deficiency anemia than controls. Conclusion: This study shows that serum zinc and selenium levels are decreased and serum copper levels are increased in children with iron deficiency anemia than controls.