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Serum Micronutrients and Antioxidant Levels in Children With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia
Sanghamitra Ray1, Yachika Vashisht2, Diganta Saikia2
1Department of Pediatrics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, Delhi. Correspondence to: Dr Sanghamitra Ray, Department of Pediatrics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Geeta Colony, Delhi - 110 031. dr.raysanghamitra@gmail.com.
Insights
Children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) have significantly lower serum magnesium levels. This study assessed key micronutrient and antioxidant levels in TDT patients compared to healthy children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Thalassemia Research
Background:
- Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) is a chronic hematological disorder requiring regular blood transfusions.
- Management of TDT involves monitoring for complications, including potential micronutrient deficiencies.
- Understanding mineral and antioxidant status is crucial for optimizing care in TDT patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of zinc, copper, magnesium, and total antioxidant capacity in children with TDT.
- To compare these levels with those of age-matched healthy children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving children with TDT and healthy controls aged 3-14 years.
- Serum zinc, copper, and magnesium were measured using a direct colorimetric method.
- Total antioxidant capacity was determined using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in children with TDT compared to controls (P=0.015).
- No significant differences were observed in serum zinc (P=0.496) or copper (P=0.133) levels between groups.
- While not statistically different, 33% of TDT children had low serum zinc and 43% had high serum copper.
Conclusions:
- Children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia exhibit significantly lower serum magnesium levels.
- The findings highlight the importance of monitoring magnesium status in TDT management.
- Further research may explore the clinical implications of altered zinc and copper levels in TDT.
Objectives:
To estimate serum zinc, copper, magnesium and antioxidant levels in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT).
Methods:
Cross-sectional study, enrolling children with TDT aged 3-14 years and age-matched healthy children without thalassemia. Serum zinc, copper, magnesium and total antioxidant capacity were estimated by direct colorimetric method and ELISA, respectively.
Results:
72 children (24 females; mean (SD) age 8.5 (3.2) years) were enrolled. Mean (SD) values of micronutrients in the study group and control group children were: serum zinc [89.4 (26.9) vs 93.5 (41.6) mg/dL; P=0.496], copper [118.3 (36.6) vs 123.3 (29.8) mg/L; P=0.133], magnesium [1.9 (0.3) vs 2.0 (0.2) mg/dL; P=0.015]. Total oxidant capacity level was not different in both the groups [median (range) 124.8 (16.0-501.7) vs 146.8 (14.0-641.7) mg/mL; P=0.605]. 24 (33%) children with TDT had low serum zinc levels (<65 mg/dL), and 31 (43%) had high serum copper levels (≥121 mg/L).
Conclusions:
Children with TDT were found to have significantly lower magnesium levels compared to healthy children.
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