The impact of proteinuria on serum levels of trace elements in sickle cell disease patients

Micronutrient deficiency has been recognized as a serious complication in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and the impact of proteinuria on the levels of trace metals has not been evaluated in our setting. This study evaluates the impact of proteinuria on serum levels of copper, iron, zinc and magnesium in SCD patients. Serum Iron, Zinc, copper and magnesium were assayed by colorimetric methods. Urine protein was initially assayed using urinalysis dipstick method while those that were positive for macro-albuminuria were re-evaluated using sulphosalicylic acid colorimetric technique. Out of the 100 SCD patients, 29 had macro-albuminuria while 71were negative for macroalbuminuria. Serum levels of copper in SCD patients was higher (p<0.001) than that in controls, while serum levels of zinc, iron and magnesium were lower (p<0.001) in SCD patients compared to that of the control group. The levels of copper (p<0.02), iron (p< 0.05) and magnesium (p< 0.05) were significantly lower in SCD patients with proteinuria while Zinc (p<0.02) was significantly higher in SCD patients with proteinuria compared to those without proteinuria. Proteinuria correlated negatively (p<0.001) with copper while magnesium, iron and zinc correlated positively with proteinuria in SCD patients. Proteinuria in SCD patients impacted on the levels of measured trace metals and magnesium. The levels of these metals may be routinely determined in this group of patients.