The Status of Some Trace Elements in Sickle Cell Homozygous and Heterozygous Subjects Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nigeria

• G.O Chukwuma

Finding a suitable cure for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains a challenge many years after its discovery. In this study, 30 homozygous sickle cell patients in steady state, 30 heterozygous sickle cell disorder subjects and 30 normal control subjects were enrolled. Plasma levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and magnesium (Mg) were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were analysed using SPSS. There was a significant increase in the mean serum Se and Zn levels of AA (control) subjects when compared with the heterozygous group (AS) (p < 0.05).No significant difference was observed in the mean values of Cu and Mg concentrations between the two groups studied (P>0.05). Serum Se and Zn concentrations were significantly raised in AA subjects (control group) when compared with homozygous sickle cell subjects (p < 0.05). Homozygous sickle cell disease may exert greater demand for zinc and selenium utilization in patients thereby resulting in lower serum levels. We recommend dietary supplementation of essential trace elements in the treatment and management of subjects with sickle cell disease.

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