title: Anemia and neutropenia associated with copper deficiency of unclear etiology.
abstract: Copper deficiency is rarely reported as a cause of neutropenia and anemia through mechanisms not clearly understood. Most cases have been found in malnourished infants or persons receiving total parenteral nutrition without adequate copper. We report on two otherwise healthy young adults with severe neutropenia and anemia secondary to copper deficiency of unclear etiology, which quickly resolved after supplementation with copper gluconate. Both women consumed excessive quantities of soft drinks, which may have contributed to the development of their copper deficiency. Two cases of an unexplained copper deficiency anemia and neutropenia in otherwise healthy young adults found at a single institution over a short period of time suggests that this problem may be more widespread than is currently realized.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology and Oncology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, 26506, USA. wharless@hsc.wvu.edu
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Harless
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crowell
authors.forename: Jame
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abraham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D003300:Copper / Q000172:deficiency*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005942:Gluconates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D005942:Gluconates; D003300:Copper