Copper is an essential trace element serving as a cofactor for several pivotal enzymatic pathways for growth and metabolism. Copper deficiency can be caused by an impaired or insufficient uptake or increased demand. Symptoms of copper deficiency are nonspecific and include hematologic, neurologic and dermatologic alterations. Copper deficiency anaemia is most often macrocytic in combination with neutropenia. Diagnosis of copper deficiency is based on serum copper measurements and can be supported by serum ceruloplasmin and 24 h-urine copper excretion. Treatment depends on the underlying aetiology and generally includes oral copper replacement.
Hofmann P, Buetikofer C, Vidovic M, Debrunner J, Bachli E
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