ZINC, COPPER AND IRON AND THEIR INTERRELATIONS IN THE GROWTH OF SICKLE-CELL PATIENTS

In this study we evaluated the nutritional status of 34 children with sickle cell disease (SS). Results were compared to 9 siblings with sic kle cell trait (AS) and 35 eutrophic children who presented normal hem oglobin and normal hemoglobin electrophoresis (AA). All of then came f rom low socioeconomic level. Analysis of the growth velocity curves re velead in SS group, tendency to increase deficit in weight and height with age. There was no relation between weight/height (W/H) and height /age (H/A) percentile and hemoglobin levels. There was no significant relation between nutritional status and severity of the disease. SS gr oup showed significant skeletal maturation delay, the same did not occ ur with the siblings (AS group). Plasma zinc levels were significantly lower in SS group than in AS and AA groups In SS group there was some association between lower plasma zinc levels and WA percentile lower or equal to 10. Plasma copper levels were significantly greater in SS group than in AS and AA ones, and then was no relation between plasma copper levels and serum ferritin levels. In conclusion, our patients w ith sickle cell disease showed indexes of malnutrition, iron deficienc y, hipercupremia and low plasma zinc levels related to low stature.