Serum zinc and copper concentrations in patients with Beta-thalassemia major

Abstract

Objective: There is no consensus about zinc and copper deficiency in patients with thalassemia major. We have therefore investigated serum copper and zinc concentration in this condition as it may contribute to the morbidity seen in this group of patients. Material and methods: Serum copper and zinc were measured in 140 thalassemia major patients (79 male and 61 female) by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and their status was compared with 140 gender and age-matched healthy subjects. Data that was normally distributed was analyzed using Student t-test. Results: In the control group, zinc concentration was higher in males than in females but no significant difference was found between copper levels. Thalassemic patients had significantly lower zinc (60.1 vs. 87.1 I¼g/dl) and copper (90.4 vs. 105.6 I¼g/dl) concentration compared with healthy subjects (p < 0.001). The prevalence of low serum levels of zinc and copper in thalassemic patients was almost two times higher than healthy subjects for zinc (72.3 vs. 29.3) and copper (36.1 vs. 14.5). Conclusion: A high prevalence of low levels of serum zinc and copper concentrations was observed in thalassemic patients. © 2013 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.