Serum Copper In Thalassemic Adolescents: Relations to Bone Mass Abnormalities

Abstract

This study aims at determining serum copper profile in β-thalassemic patients and the possible association with bone mineral density (BMD) abnormalities. In one hundred thirty one transfusion-dependent β-thalassemic adolescents, serum levels of copper were measured by Flame-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. BMD values at lumbar (L1-L4) and femoral neck were determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Food frequency questionnaire was used to determine patients' dietary copper and calcium intake. Patients’ history of treatment and demographic data were obtained. Low serum copper was seen in 67.7% of female and 75.7% of male patients. Female patients with low therapeutic index (