[Level of zinc, copper, selenium and nickel in serum of patients treated for chronic renal failure with hemodialysis--influence of erythropoietin therapy].

52 patients with chronic renal failure treated with haemodialysis and 21 healthy subjects were observed. All patients were divided in 2 groups: 1. erythropoietin treated patients (+EPO), 2. patients not treated with erythropoietin (-EPO). In all patients immediately before dialysis and after dialysis the blood samples were withdrawn for estimation of creatinine, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value and zinc, copper, selenium, and nickel concentration. In healthy subjects such measurements we made only once. In all patients serum zinc, selenium and nickel concentrations were significantly lower than in normals. Copper concentration was insignificantly higher in normals than in patients with CRF. No significant differences were found in serum concentration of zinc, copper, selenium and nickel between +EPO and -EPO. During haemodialysis a decrease of serum zinc, copper and selenium levels in all examined group was seen. No significant changes between serum, zinc, selenium, copper and nickel concentration between patients treated with erythropoietin and without erythropoietin. Conclusions 1. Serum zinc, selenium and nickel concentration were significantly lower in patients treated with haemodialysis than in normals. 2. Serum concentration of zinc, copper and selenium decreased during haemodialysis. 3. Probably erythropoietin therapy does not influence serum zinc, selenium, copper and nickel levels in patients with chronic renal failure.