Evaluation of Selected Trace Elements in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Nnamdi Azikiwe Unviersity Teaching Hospital, Nnewi Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis is the most common form of treatment for end stage renal disease (ESRD), and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality which might be as a result of imbalance in essential minerals. Objective: This study is aimed at determining the levels of some trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium and cobalt) in chronic hemodialysis patients before dialysis, immediately after dialysis and one hour after dialysis. Methods: A total of 100 participants were used for this study. This includes fifty chronic hemodialysis subjects and 50 aged matched apparently normal subjects. The trace elements were assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Results: The mean levels of Zn and Se were significantly lower in dialysis subjects 79.33±16.27 µg/dl, P = 0.02 and 6.67±1.43 µg/dl, P<0.001 compared with the control 88.97±9.77 µg/dl and 9.00±2.48 µg/dl respectively. Cu showed a significantly high mean value in the dialysis 117.54±14.69 µg/dl, P = 0.01 when compared with the control subjects 108.50±15.49 µg/dl. There was no significant difference in the mean level of Co 0.03±0.01 µg/dl, P = 0.26 when compared with the control 0.04±0.00. Comparison of the mean levels of these minerals between male and female counterparts among the dialysis and control groups showed no significant differences. Conclusion: This study showed a marked reduction in zinc and selenium levels, and increased copper levels in hemodialysis patients than in controls. This shows an alteration in trace elements levels in chronic hemodialysis patients