Abstract

1 Bot Y.S, 2 Benjamin A, 1 Nyango D.Y, 1 Ventmack D.T, 1 Eunice C.B, 3 Etukudu N.S, 3 Obeta M.U

Levels of Cu and Zn in the serum was assessed in a total of one hundred and four (104) subjects comprising of sixty-eight (68) sickle cell disease (SCD) patients attending SCD clinics in Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital all in Plateau State, Nigeria and thirty-six (36) age and sex matched apparently healthy control subjects. Blood samples collected from participants were analyzed for Zinc and Copper using spectrophotometry techniques as described by (Yamashita et al., 1989). The mean serum level of Zinc and Copper in sickle cell disease patients was 22.43±13.33 and 109.96±103.96 µmol/L respectively. While serum Zinc levels was significantly lower (P< 0.05), Serum Copper level was significantly higher (P<0.05) in sickle cell disease patients when compared with apparently healthy control. Serum Zinc and Copper levels was not age and sex dependent, as similar pattern of the metal was observed in both male and female SCD patients. Conclusively, the assessment of trace element levels particularly Zinc is vital in the management of SCD. Therefore, the use of zinc supplementation in SCD is strongly advocated.