Analysis of zinc, iron and copper serum levels in patients with common variable immunodeficiency

Serum zinc, copper and iron levels together with content of zinc in hair were investigated in 13 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and in 13 controls. A significant decrease in serum zinc (mean = 11.3 mumol/l, SD = 2.9 in CVID patients compared to mean 14.3 mumol/l, SD = 2.4 in controls) and iron levels (mean = 11.8 mumol/l, SD = 3.1 in CVID patients, mean = 18.3 mumol/l, SD = 4.7 in controls) in CVID patients were observed. Hair zinc content of CVID patients was significantly decreased compared to healthy persons (1.41 mumol/g, SD = 0.64 in CVID patients, and mean = 2.23 mumol/g, SD = 0.83 in controls). Serum copper level in CVID patients was significantly increased compared to controls (mean = 24.4 mumol/l, SD = 4.8 in CVID Patients, mean = 14.6 mumol/l, SD = 2.8 in controls). The decreased serum zinc and iron levels may be caused by disturbed absorption in the intestines of patients with CVID, but redistribution due to chronic inflammatory processes is a second possible explanation of hypozincemia in CVID patients.