Zinc deficiency is one cause of anemia. However, it has been reported that some patients who were treated with zinc supplementation to resolve this anemia subsequently experienced copper deficiency, which lead to continued anemia, as well as leukocytopenia and other symptoms. However, only two patients with copper deficiency induced by zinc supplementation undergoing peritoneal dialysis have been reported. Here, we report the case of a 59 year-old man with copper deficiency after zinc supplementation undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). He took meals only once a day and drank about 750 mL/day of wine every day. He had been receiving zinc supplementation for 4 months. He was diagnosed with severe leukocytopenia and worsening anemia at a planned outpatient visit; in addition, his copper levels had markedly decreased. Thus, zinc supplementation was discontinued, and the patient was instructed to take cocoa for copper supplementation. Because of severe leukocytopenia, he was admitted to our hospital, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered. Red blood cell transfusions were performed for anemia. After discontinuing zinc supplementation, his white blood cell count and hemoglobin levels improved.To avoid Cu deficiency, patients' dietary history should be checked in detail and Cu should be monitored carefully when Zn is supplemented in patients undergoing PD.
Keywords: Copper deficiency; Leukocytopenia; Peritoneal dialysis; Zinc supplementation.
© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Japan Society of Nephrology.