Citation
George, Elizabeth and Ng, M. L. and Tan, Mary Anne Jin Ai
(2008)
Erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin in beta-thalassaemia carriers.
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 4 (1).
pp. 51-55.
ISSN 1675-8544
Abstract
Introduction: In Malaysia, 4.5% of the population are carriers of beta-thalassaemia and a moderately high prevalence of iron deficiency has been reported. Both these conditions have red cells that are hypochromic and microcytic. Serum ferritin has been used to determine the status of iron storage and reduced levels are seen in iron deficiency. Serum ferritin, however, is an acute phase reactant and levels may increase in tissue necrosis and inflammatory disease. In iron deficiency, the enzyme ferrochelatase catalyses the incorporation of zinc, instead of iron into porphyrin IX, resulting in the formation of zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP). Objective: To determine the erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin levels in beta-thalassaemia carriers as a surrogate marker of functional iron deficiency. Methods: Automated blood counts and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) were determined in 57 beta- thalassaemia carriers. The assay of ZnPP was done on washed red blood cells using a haematofluorometre. Results and Discussion: Nineteen (33.3%) of beta-thalassaemia carriers had raised ZnPP levels indicating the presence of functional iron deficiency. Conclusion: Both iron deficiency and beta-thalassaemia carriers have hypochromic red cells and iron deficiency that can co-exist in a carrier with beta-thalassemia. Individuals with this finding may benefit from iron supplementation.
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