Serum trace elements in childhood anemia: A?prospective case control study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Meenakshi, Balasubramanian | Venkataraman, Raman | Janakiraman, Lalitha

Affiliations: Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, India | Clinical Chemistry, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi, Tirunelveli, India | Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital and The CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, India

Note: [] Corresponding author: Balasubramanian Meenakshi, 17-A, Sarkarai Vinayagar Kovil Street, Pettai, Tirunelveli. Tel.: +91 44 9486650199; Fax: +91 44 28259633; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Aim: To study the serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in children with iron deficiency anemia in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: A prospective case control study was conducted over a period of 18 months in a tertiary care children's hospital to study the serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in children with iron deficiency anemia in comparison with healthy controls. A total of 35 children with anemia and 35 controls were enrolled for the study. Results: The normal serum copper, zinc and selenium levels were 510°C–1530 μg/L, 600°C–1200 μg/L and 55°C–130 μg/L respectively. Mean serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in children with anemia were 1589 ± 529.7, 568 ± 252.8 and 71 ± 41.5 μg/L respectively and in controls the levels were 892 ± 368.3, 890 ± 213.9 and 102 ± 39.2 μg/L (P < 0.05) showing decreased serum zinc and selenium levels and increased copper levels in children with iron deficiency anemia than controls. Conclusion: This study shows that serum zinc and selenium levels are decreased and serum copper levels are increased in children with iron deficiency anemia than controls.

Keywords: Copper, zinc, selenium, anemia, children

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-130098

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 247-252, 2013