Quantitative Assessment of Serum Copper Status in Children with Thalassemia Major

Objective: Support of ordinary degrees of copper, has a significant influence in reducing the morbidities related with thalassemia major. Levels of this component has been seen as modified in this incessant transfusion subordinate infection from everywhere throughout the world, however with broadly factor results. Other than rehashed blood transfusions and utilization of chelating operators, the level of copper in thalassemia patients are influenced by hereditary and dietary factors likewise, convincing us to embrace this investigation in our population. The Objectives of this study was to appraise of serum levels of copper in children with beta-thalassemia major.

Methods: In this observational comparative research design, all children between 5 to 15 years affected by beta thalassemia major (30 patients) and 30 normal children were evaluated for serum copper levels in the Department of Pediatrics, DMCH and attended at Thalassemia Center, DSH (Dhaka Shishu Hospital). Serum measurements for copper were performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Varian, AA 240 FS, USA) in Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Results: The minimum, maximum, and the mean concentration of serum copper in patients were 103.50, 239.94, and 147.55 ± 35.17 µg/dl and in control group, those were 58.75, 192.43, and 123.85± 33.19 µg/dl respectively. There was no significant difference in serum copper level in the β thalassemia group and the control group (p=0.54) (P=0.3).

Conclusion: This investigation revealed that there is no copper inadequacy. Further assessment in such manner is suggested.