Zinc and Iron Deficiencies in Male Subjects with Dwarfism and Hypogonadism but Without Ancylostomiasis, Schistosomiasis or Severe Anemia

Abstract

Hepatosplenomegaly was an uncommon feature in this group of patients in contrast to the patients studied in Iran and in the delta region of Egypt, who were severely anemic. Anemia itself was probably responsible for hepatosplenomegaly accompanying this syndrome in other regions. Patients with Fe and Zn deficiencies, mild anemia, hypogonadism and dwarfism were studied in the Kharga oasis area. These patients had no schistosomiasis or hookworm infection. In Egypt and China, dwarfism and hypogonadism were attributed to liver dysfunction due to schistosomiasis, however the existence of such patients in Kharga and in Iran where schistosomiasis and liver dysfunction were absent, clearly indicates that these factors per se are not responsible for these clinical findings. Severe anemia and Fe deficiency do not seem to be necessary factors for the production of hypogonadism and growth retardation in these subjects. The clinical and biochemical findings in the patients from Kharga are compatible with the concept that Zn deficiency may have been responsible for the hypogonadism and dwarfism.