Abstract
Zinc deficiency in adults with SCD has been previously reported (Prasad, A.S., et al: JAMA 235:2396, 1976). The present study was carried out to investigate zinc status in children with SCD. Forty-seven children with SCD and matched controls aged 1 to 19 years were studied for hair, red blood cells (RBC), plasma and urine zinc content. The results were analyzed in two age groups; one consisting of 34 patients and their matched controls, aged 1 to 13 years and the other 12 patients and their matched controls aged 14 to 19 years. Results are shown in the Table:
In both age groups, hair and plasma zinc levels are significantly lower in SCD compared to controls. Urine zinc was higher in SCD compared to controls in the older age group. These results indicate that zinc deficiency occurs in children with SCD. The hyperzincuria in the older group of children with SCD may be due to defective tubular reabsorption of zinc and be another manifestation of the SCD nephropathy, the severity of which increases with age.
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Gungor, K., Philip, L. 616 ZINC DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE (SCD). Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 466 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00621
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00621