Zinc Supplementation and Growth in Sickle Cell Disease

  1. ANANDA S. PRASAD, M.D., Ph.D.; and
  2. ZAFRALLAH T. COSSACK, Ph.D.
  1. Detroit and Allen Park, Michigan

    Abstract

    With the use of flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry, we have devised a technique for measuring zinc in neutrophils. Neutrophil zinc levels in patients with sickle cell anemia correlated significantly with height and weight, and with serum testosterone in men. Such correlations were not seen with zinc levels in plasma or erythrocytes. We also report the beneficial effects of zinc supplementation on longitudinal growth and body weight in 14- to 18-year-old patients with sickle cell anemia. Thus, the neutrophil zinc level is a reliable and sensitive indicator of zinc deficiency in these patients.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Harper-Grace Hospitals, Detroit; and the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Allen Park, Michigan.

    • Grant support: In part by a grant from the Sickle Cell Center of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; by grant AM31401-01 from the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases; and a grant from the Veterans Administration.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Ananda S. Prasad, M.D., Ph.D.; Special Hematology/Newberry Hall, Harper-Grace Hospitals, 3990 John R.; Detroit, MI 48201.

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    This Article

    1. Ann Intern Med March 1, 1984 vol. 100 no. 3 367-371
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