title: Zinc abuse and sideroblastic anemia.
abstract: We report the case of a young woman who presented with anemia and leukopenia. A bone marrow aspirate revealed a marked excess of ringed sideroblasts. A detailed dietary history disclosed excessive zinc intake. High serum zinc and low serum copper concentrations were confirmed. After discontinuation of the zinc supplements, she made a complete hematologic recovery. This report emphasises the importance of trace metals and their role in the development of hematologic abnormalities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Humana Hospital-Michael Reese, Chicago.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ramadurai
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kozloff
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Telfer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000756:Anemia, Sideroblastic / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D015032:Zinc / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc