Erythrocyte zincprotoporphyrin (ZPP) in subjects with heterozygote beta-thalassemia, acquired non-microcytic anemias and iron deficiency.

The authors examine the utility of zinc protoporphyrin level in blood (ZPP) as diagnostic test for some anemias with different etiology. Our results show that the observed ZPP rise both in sideropenic anemia and lead poisoning, is related to TIBC increase. This relation demonstrates that both in these anemias a close correlation exists with disorders of iron metabolism. Furthermore such a correlation is not seen in thalassemic trait and in acquired non microcotic anemias.