Assessment of Serum Level of Electrolytes and Trace Elements in Leukaemia Patients in Sudan

Abstract

Electrolyte and trace elements disturbances frequently occur with leukaemia patients that complicate their management and prolong patients’ hospitalization, due to leukemic processes, organ infiltration, and cell death or to adverse effects of cytotoxic drugs. This research work investigated the interrelationship among different types of leukaemia with concentration of electrolytes and trace elements in Sudanese patients attended the Radiation and Isotope Center (KRIC) Khartoum, Sudan. 201 subjects (79 control participants and 122 were suffering from leukaemia). Patients were divided into four groups; acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), chronic lymphoid leukaemia (CLL). Some electrolytes and trace elements zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co). Results obtained showed that a significant decrease in serum level of Cu (p < 0.001), Mn (p < 0.05) and cobalt (p < 0.05) was observed in all groups. Zinc and calcium showed lower levels in CLL, CML and ALL (p< 0.05). The results also showed significantly higher serum level of Zn in AML group than CML group (p<0.05). Magnesium reported higher level in CML, AML and ALL (p< 0.01). The concentration of Mg was significantly lower in CLL (p<0.05) compared to CML, AML and ALL patients. The concentration of sodium was significantly lower in CML than the ALL patients (p<0.05). There is no significant difference between the levels of Na, K and PO4 3- in leukaemia patients and control. Data revealed positive correlation between sodium and potassium (p = 0.000), positive correlation between calcium and phosphorus but not significant ( p = 0.195). It could be concluded that Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn and Co showed lower level and Mg reported higher level in leukemia patients.