Evaluation of Trace Elements in Adult Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Zaria, North Western Nigeria

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that is caused due to the inheritance of a mutant gene that encodes haemoglobin S (HbS). The amino acid glutamic acid is replaced with valine in the sixth position of b-globin chain. Protection of red cell membrane from free radical mediated oxidative stress is crucial to the management of SCD. Trace elements such as Copper, Zinc and Magnesium are of great benefit towards relieve of oxidative stress associated with red blood cell membranes. This study was carried out to evaluate some trace elements in adult sickle cell anaemia patientsattending sickle cell clinic, ABUTH-Zaria. Ethical clearance was obtained from ethics committee of Ahmadu Bello University Hospital Zaria, questionnaires were administered and informed consent was obtained from patients or their parents. One hundred and one (101) subjects aged 18 to 46 years participated in this study and these participants were divided into thirty five (35) confirmed sickle cell anaemia subjects in stable state (SS), thirty five (35) confirmed sickle cell anaemia subjects with history of vaso-occlusive crises in the last three months and (31) apparently healthy subjects (Hb AA) as control subjects (C). Haemoglobin electrophoresis was done using cellulose acetate method and serum copper, zinc and magnesium was analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method. Serum copper, zinc and magnesium mean levels were significantly lower (P = 0.00) in SCA (SS and VOC) groups when compared with control group. No significance difference was observed in the mean levels of copper, zinc and magnesium in SS group when compared with VOC group (P = 0.36, P = 0.89 and P = 0.85) respectively. The mean levels of trace elements were significantly lower in SCA groups than the control group. Evaluation of trace elements is suggested in the management of sickle cell anaemia.