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Zinc Status and its Correlation with Basic Parameters in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemic Patients: A Pakistani Perspective
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| Sultan Sadia *, Irfan Syed Mohammad, Kaker Jamal Uddin, Zeeshan Rozina, Kidwai Asim |
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Abstract: (11364 Views) |
| Background: β-thalassemia is an autosomal hemoglobinopathy with inconsistent universal distribution. Among patients with thalassemia diverse non-siderotic complications distinctly influence the attribute of life, including zinc deficiency due to varied etiologies.
The objective of the present study was to determine zinc levels in patients with β-thalassemia major and its correlation with maternal characteristics, hematological parameters, liver enzymes, serum ferritin, duration of chelation and number of transfusions among Pakistani patients.
Patients and Methods: Seventy-five β-thalassemia major patients on desferrioxamine were enrolled from August 2010 to July 2012. CBC, liver function tests, serum ferritin, HbsAg and Anti-HCV were evaluated. Zinc level was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Results: The mean age of patients was 10.57±3.5 years. Forty one (54.7%) and 34(45.3%) patients were males and females respectively. The frequency of zinc deficiency was 24%. We established positive correlation between zinc deficiency and longer duration of chelation (P<0.001) and also with anemia (P<0.001). No correlation could be established with other parameters.
Conclusion: Our study revealed that hypozincemia is not unusual in β-thalassemic patients on desferrioxamine. We propose zinc levels should be regularly measured primarily in anemic patients with long duration of chelation.
Keywords: β-thalassemia major, zinc deficiency, desferrioxamine. |
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| Keywords: β-thalassemia major, zinc deficiency, desferrioxamine |
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Full-Text [PDF 633 kb]
(2974 Downloads)
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: Research |
Subject:
Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Received: 2014/05/1 | Accepted: 2014/05/1 | Published: 2014/05/1
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