Serum zinc level in children with beta-thalassemia major on iron chelator

ABSTRACT

Zinc as a second trace element of human body plays an important role in numerous functions Thalassemic patients are at risk of zinc deficiency due to various causes including the use of iron chelating agents oral or injectable. In this study we aim to measure the serum zinc level in beta-thalassemic patients on oral versus injectable iron chelator. A hospital based case control study conducted in the Center of Hereditary Blood Disorders in Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital for the period between 1st of December 2011 to 31th of Augest 2012. Seventy children with beta-thalassemia major were studied, patients were divided into two groups 37 patients were treated by deferoxamine constituent of group A and 33 were those on deferasiroxe therapy constituent group B. Control group consisted of 35 healthy children. Serum zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometery. Patients aged between 5-11 years, boys were 34 and girls 36. The mean age of patients was 7.5 years. The mean serum zinc level in group A [patients on deferoxamine] 59.3784 +/- 28.44913 microg/dl was significantly lower than that of group B [patients on deferasiroxe] 105.5667 +/- 30.25488 microg/dl and control group 96.8974 +/- 24.98083 microg/dl respectively. Hypozincemia found in 70.7%, 20% and 17.9% in group A, B and control group respectively. There was a significant difference between patients of both groups and control [p<0.05], while high significant difference between patients of different iron chelators [p<0.001]. Hypozincemia is common in thalassemic patients. The low level of serum zinc mainly found in those with injectable iron chelator. Routine follow up of serum zinc level and other possible causes of hypozenicemia should be studied before giving zinc to these patients