Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Various Pathologic Conditions

Abstract

In order to explore their diagnostic significance, serum copper and zinc levels were measured in various pathologic conditions by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Elevated copper levels were observed in most of the pathologic conditions studied, but the increases were significant in congestive cardiac failure, pneumonia, myoma of the uterus, rheumatic heart disease, bronchitis, cholelithiasis, asthma, pelvic inflammatory disease, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and arteriosclerotic heart disease. Zinc values in most diseases studied were normal or close to normal. However, decreased concentrations were found in alcoholism, Laennec's cirrhosis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Although statistically significant elevations of copper and decreases of zinc have been found in various pathologic conditions, a large number of patients in each diagnostic category had values well within normal range. Owing to these inconsistencies it is obvious that these trace metal levels are of doubtful value for diagnostic purposes.