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Serum zinc level in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and its relationship to anemia

Hemodialysis patients are at risk for deficiency or excess of trace elements, both of which can affect their health. Zinc is an essential trace element and its deficiency results in the dysfunction of plasma membrane proteins and enhanced oxidative stress in cells, especially red blood cells, thus decreasing their lifespan. Zinc deficiency is reported in 40%–78% of hemodialysis patients and may be associated with anemia. Both anemia and zinc deficiency are common in patients with kidney failure. In this study, serum zinc levels and their relationship to anemia were evaluated in 24 patients on maintenance hemodialysis for 6 months or longer at either of two tertiary pediatric hemodialysis centers in Tehran, Iran. Serum zinc level and various blood indices were recorded before, during, and after the evaluation over 6 months. Patients receiving zinc-containing supplements in the 3 months before enrolment were ineligible. Patients with zinc deficiency received oral supplements of zinc sulfate at 1 mg/kg daily for 3 months, following which serum zinc level and other blood indices were retested to examine the influence of zinc supplementation on anemia. Our findings indicate that serum zinc levels may correlate with anemia in hemodialysis patients. Providing zinc supplements may improve anemia and the quality of life in patients with low zinc levels.