P01 Zinc supplementation for effective treatment of neutrophilic dermatoses does not result in reduced serum copper

Abstract Introduction and aims Zinc is an essential electrolyte required for normal growth and development. Zinc has also been shown to improve neutrophilic dermatoses such as sterile pustular disorders due to reduction of phagocytic function of granulocytes, which in turn modulates the production of inflammatory proteins. However, there have been recent case reports of zinc supplementation resulting in hypocupraemia. Moreover, there are no existing international guidelines that suggest monitoring serum copper when replacing zinc. We aim to show that zinc supplementation is a safe and effective treatment and although there is a theoretical risk of hypocupraemia, this is not a real demonstrated phenomenon and should not prevent treatment. Methods Data were collected prospectively for patients who had been started on zinc replacement by our department, which required serum levels of both zinc and copper. Results There were no patients included in our population who displayed low serum copper as a result of zinc supplementation. The duration of zinc supplementation ranged from 1 to 13 years. Conclusions Zinc is a safe and cheap treatment available for neutrophilic disorders. This could be particularly helpful for patients in lower-income countries where expensive treatments and monitoring may not possible. Perhaps monitoring of serum copper levels once a year while on supplementation could prove beneficial. However, evidence is weak at this point and further data collection and evaluation is required.