Assessment of serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium in non- symptomatic Sickle-Cell Anaemia patients at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Abstract
Background: Zinc, copper and selenium are known important trace elements playing a vital role as cofactors of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxide. They form part of the first line antioxidants enzymes in red blood cells and plasma. The study aimed at determining the serum levels of zinc, copper and selenium in asymptomatic sickle-cell anaemia patients. Methods: This was a case control study conducted from the specialist Haematology and Oncology Clinic 4 at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. 5mls of whole blood was collected from 46 sickle-cell anaemia patients and 46 healthy controls from Out-Patient Department after consent. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, serum levels of zinc, copper and selenium was determined. Independent t-test was used to compare the means and a binary logistic regression for the likelihood of developing a sickling crisis, using SPSS version 20. Results: The mean serum levels of zinc in patients were lower 86.92±20.46mg/L against 91.33±43.23mg/L; p<0.028 of controls. Copper mean levels were 149.85±54.82mg/L against 134.32±54.16mg/L; p<0.191 of controls. Selenium mean levels were 0.100±0.041mg/L against 0.081±0.032mg/L; p<0.380 in patients compared to controls. The odds of developing one sickling crises in the past year given the levels of zinc, copper and selenium was [B = -.340, zinc Exp(B) =1.011, copper Exp(B) = 1.008, selenium Exp(B) = .000, DF = 1]. Conclusion: Zinc is reduced in sickle-cell anaemia patients. The probability of developing a sickling crisis is lower in patients with higher serum levels of zinc and copper by 1.1% and 0.8% respectively.
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