Serum zinc concentrations in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and its relationship with anemia, parathyroid hormone concentrations and pruritus severity.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency has been reported in 40-78% of hemodialysis (HD) patients and may be associated with anemia and pruritus and probably limiting the expression of renal osteodystrophy. This study was designed to explore possible correlation between serum zinc concentration and anemia, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration and pruritus severity in HD patients. During a case-control study, the serum Zn concentration of patients on maintenance HD was compared with those of the healthy controls and with the cut-off point of 70 mcg/dL as the risk of Zn deficiency. The mean serum Zn concentration in patients on maintenance HD was significantly lower than that of the control group; however, it was not different with the cut-off point of 70 microg/dL. No correlation between serum Zn concentration and hematologic indices was detected. A significant positive correlation between serum Zn concentration and erythropoietn dose was noted. No correlation was found between serum Zn concentration and PTH level or pruritus severity. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that zinc concentrations were lower in HD patients compared to controls, however, the effects of routine supplementation of zinc to control anemia, serum PTH level or pruritus severity are yet doubtful.