Abstract
Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a serious inherited disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Zinc and magnesium are essential micronutrients involved in many cellular processes. Several studies have found that their deficiencies are common in SCD patients and may further complicate the disease. This study was conducted to examine plasma levels of zinc and magnesium in a group of SCD patients in Latakia. Methods A total of 85 SCD patients (52 males and 33 females) with both sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and hemoglobin sickle-beta-thalassemia (Hb S/β-Thal) genotypes at the steady state, and 30 healthy controls, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study with no age limits. Plasma zinc and magnesium levels were measured using colorimetric methods. Results Plasma zinc and magnesium levels were significantly lower in SCD patients compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Twelve SCD patients (14.1%) were zinc-deficient, and 37 (43%) had magnesium deficiency. Plasma zinc and magnesium levels were higher in HbSS patients than those with Hb S/β-Thal patients, but with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Notably, all zinc-deficient SCD patients were < 16 years old. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in zinc deficiency distribution between males and females. Age and gender had no significant statistical relations with magnesium deficiency in SCD patients (P > 0.05). Conclusion This study has shown that plasma zinc and magnesium levels were significantly lower in SCD patients compared to the controls, with no significant difference between HbSS and Hb S/β-Thal genotypes. Zinc and magnesium administration may be required in SCD patients from an early age, especially zinc, to mitigate the adverse effects of their deficiencies.