Zinc deficiency in sickle cell disease

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Sickle cell anemia (SCA) shares clinical features with zinc deficiency.
• This suggests a potential secondary zinc deficiency in SCA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate zinc status in SCA patients.
• To explore the effects of zinc supplementation on SCA clinical manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure zinc levels in plasma, erythrocytes, and hair.
• Urinary zinc excretion was quantified.
• Zinc sulfate was administered orally to SCA patients.

Main Results:

• SCA patients exhibited decreased plasma, erythrocyte, and hair zinc levels, alongside increased urinary zinc excretion.
• A significant inverse correlation was found between erythrocyte zinc and daily urinary zinc excretion.
• Zinc supplementation led to increased height and weight, enhanced hair growth, and improved ulcer healing in some patients.

Conclusions:

• Hyperzincuria may contribute to zinc deficiency in sickle cell anemia.
• Zinc supplementation shows promise in ameliorating certain clinical features of SCA.