Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Red Blood Cell Osmotic Fragility in hemodialysis Patients.

Introduction: Zinc deficiency may aggravate the effect of oxidative stress on RBC (Red Blood Cell) of chronic uremia. In this study, there is an attempt to show the relationship between the plasma zinc level and RBC osmotic fragility in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: Thirty five patients with low level of serum zinc (serum zinc level < 70) participated in the trial. RBC osmotic fragility, Hb (hemoglobin) and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) were checked. The patients received zinc supplement (zinc sulfate) (250 mg/day). Plasma level of zinc, Hb, BUN and osmotic fragility rechecked after 6 weeks. Results: The mean serum zinc concentration among the participants increased and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Erythrocytes at day 0 (59+/_ 3.5) were significantly (P < 0.05) more fragile in hypotonie saline than those at day 43(38+/_ 2.9), (at NaCl 40%). No significant changes were noted in the level of Hb Discussion: In this trial, oral zinc supplementation caused a significant rises in the plasma zinc level after 6 weeks. Although Hb concentration was not changed during the trial the level of osmotic fragility in red cells reduced significantly.