The aim of this study was to determine serum zinc(Zn),copper (Cu),sodium (Na) and potassuim (K) levels in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoning hemodialysis (HD) and to investigate the influnce of HD duration on these trace elements.The study group included (32)HD pateints and a control group of (32) healthy subjects. Blood samples were drown for determination of serum (Zn) and (Cu) levels which measured by atomic absorbtion spectrophotmetry, and serum (Na) and(K) levels measured by electrolyte analyzer. The mean age was (50.5 ±12.7)yr in the (HD) group and (48.1 ± 20.3)yr in the control group .Laboratory findings showed the following mean values: Zn (43.12 ± 12.81)micro.gm/dl in the HD group (vs. 72.59 ± 4.8) micro.gm/dl in the control group, Cu (65.3 ±10.2) micro.gm/dl in the HD group ( vs. 120.1 ± 46.3) micro.gm/dl in the control group, Na (133.9 ± 10.53) mmol/ L in the HD group (vs. 145.8 ±25.35) mmol/ L in the control,K (4.77± 0.68) mmol/ L in the HD group (vs. 3.59± 0.44) mmol/ L in b the control group.The serum Zn ,Cu levels of the HD proup was significantly lower than that of the control group( P < 0.01). The serum Na level of HD group was significantly decreased than that control group( P <0.05) ,While serum( K) level in HD significantly increased ( P < 0.05)than that control group. NO significant differences in the serum Zn, Cu ,Na, and K levels between long term and short term dialyzed patients( P > 0.05). Because the levels of trace elements( Zn ,Cu ) of the HD group were significantly low, we recommend that ( Zn,Cu) should be given to patients with ( CRF) undergoing HD.
