CYSTIC FIBROSIS & low RBC zinc levels

March 4, 2003

Genomics & Genetics Weekly

March

7, 2003

HEADLINE: CYSTIC FIBROSIS: One-third of patients may have low RBC zinc

levels; significance is unknown

According to a study from the United States, " The objectives of this

study were to measure plasma and red blood cell (RBC) zinc

concentrations in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and examine their

relationship to nutritional status and pulmonary function.

" Plasma and RBC zinc levels were compared in 53 CF patients ranging in

age from 0.5-46 years. Their relationships to weight (% ideal weight)

and forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (% predicted value) were

examined, " stated L. Akanli and colleagues, Loma University

Medical Center.

" After excluding improperly handled specimens, RBC zinc levels in 51

patients and plasma zinc concentrations in 40 patients were included for

analysis. Sixteen of 51 (31 %) patients had low RBC zinc levels compared

to four of 40 (10%) with low plasma zinc concentrations (p<0.01).

Thirteen of 38 patients (34%) in whom both values were obtained had low

RBC zinc concentrations compared to four of 38 (11 %) with low plasma

zinc levels (p < 0.022). Neither low RBC nor plasma zinc levels

correlated with nutritional status or lung function.

" In conclusion, about one-third of patients with CF had low RBC zinc

levels. Plasma zinc concentrations may not adequately reflect overall

zinc status. This deficiency did not appear to be related to either

nutritional status or lung function. The significance of low RBC zinc in

CF is unknown, " Akanli and coauthors concluded.

Akanli and colleagues published the results of their study in Pediatric

Pulmonology (Plasma and red blood cell zinc in cystic fibrosis. Pediatr

Pulmonol, 2003;35(1):2-7).

Becki

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