Gupta Nithin, Carmichael Martin F
Medicine, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, USA.
Family Medicine, Conway Medical Center, Conway, USA.
Cureus. 2023 Aug 21;15(8):e43856. doi: 10.7759/cureus.43856. eCollection 2023 Aug.
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are common and carry a large economic burden due to missed work and school. This has prompted an increased interest in over-the-counter zinc supplementation to enhance immunity and reduce illness duration. Zinc's antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects have led to its inclusion in popular URI medications and a surge in supplement sales, particularly among the elderly. However, zinc over-supplementation in this population can lead to hypocupremia, causing various presentations such as anemia, paresthesia, and gait disturbances. Here, we present a case of a 76-year-old female who developed hypocupremia due to zinc supplementation. Her initial presentation involved an unsteady gait, and severe anemia was detected during the examination. The patient's condition required hospital admission, and subsequent investigations confirmed severe pancytopenia and low blood copper levels. Discontinuation of zinc supplementation and oral copper gluconate administration led to a full recovery of her anemia and cell count; however, her neurological deficits remain. This case highlights the importance of counseling patients on the potential adverse effects of zinc supplementation and brings to light a potentially overlooked diagnosis, particularly in the elderly population.
上呼吸道感染（URIs）很常见，因误工和缺课造成了巨大的经济负担。这促使人们对非处方补锌以增强免疫力和缩短病程的兴趣增加。锌的抗病毒和抗炎作用使其被纳入流行的上呼吸道感染药物中，补锌产品销量激增，尤其是在老年人中。然而，该人群过量补锌会导致低铜血症，引发各种症状，如贫血、感觉异常和步态障碍。在此，我们报告一例76岁女性因补锌导致低铜血症的病例。她最初表现为步态不稳，检查时发现严重贫血。患者病情需要住院治疗，后续检查证实存在严重全血细胞减少和血铜水平低。停止补锌并给予口服葡萄糖酸铜后，她的贫血和血细胞计数完全恢复；然而，她的神经功能缺损仍然存在。该病例强调了向患者咨询补锌潜在不良反应的重要性，并揭示了一个可能被忽视的诊断，尤其是在老年人群中。
