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Trace elements in children suffering from sickle cell anemia: A case-control study
Joseph K Sungu1, Olivier Mukuku1, Augustin Mulangu Mutombo1
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Lubumbashi, University of Lubumbashi, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Insights
This study found lower levels of zinc and magnesium in children with Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) in Central Africa. Early screening for these trace element deficiencies is recommended for better management of SCA patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Limited data exists on serum albumin and trace elements in African children with Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA).
- This study addresses the need for documented information on these micronutrients in the SCA population in Central Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare trace element levels in children with SCA.
- To compare these values with international published reports.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted.
- Seventy-six children with steady-state SCA (Hb-SS) were compared with 76 healthy children (Hb-AA).
Main Results:
- Mean age was similar between SCA (10.0 years) and control (9.2 years) groups.
- Significantly lower mean levels of zinc and magnesium were observed in children with SCA compared to controls (P<.001).
Conclusions:
- This study provides initial literature on trace elements in SCA in Central Africa.
- Deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, and selenium highlight the necessity for systematic screening in all children with SCA.
- Early identification and management of these deficiencies are crucial for affected children.
Background:
Information on serum albumin and trace elements among children suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) was poorly documented in Africa. The aim of this study was to describe and to compare different values of trace elements with published reports from other parts of the world.
Methods:
We carried out a case-control study. Seventy-six steady state children suffering from SCA (Hb-SS). One hundred and fifty-two children were recruited with 76 (cases, Hb-SS) and 76 (control, Hb-AA) to compare the data.
Results:
The mean age was 10.0 years (SD=5.4) in SCA children and 9.2 years (SD=4.7) in the control group. The mean level of zinc and magnesium were slightly lower in the Hb-SS group than in the Hb-AA group (P<.001).
Conclusion:
The first literature about trace elements in SCA is briefly reported in Central Africa. In our midst, zinc, magnesium, and selenium deficiencies underline the need for their systematic among all children with SCA to identify patients with these deficiencies and provide early management.
