Copper and zinc concentrations in patients with beta - thalassemia major receiving iron chelator therapy

ABSTRACT

Fifteen patients with B-thalassemia major [10 males and 5 females] receiving desferoxanine [DFX] as iron chelating drug were included in this study. The patients were compared with 10 normal control subjects [7 males and 3 females]. Serum ferritin, cupper and zinc, as well as, 24 hour urinary excretion of cupper and zinc were estimated before receiving DFX and 13 months after. Serum ferritin was decreased significantly after treatment [p < 0.001]. No significant change were detected in 24 h urinary excretion of cupper as well as in serum cupper. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in 24 h urinary zinc excretion [p<0.02] and a significant decrease in serum - zinc [p < 0.05] after administration of DFX. However, symptoms attributed to zinc deficiency appeared only in two patients. So, in thalassmic patients with iron overload need chelation, a balanced dietary intake is being normally sufficient to prevent development of zinc deficiency and measurement of serum zinc is recommended