Two cases of polyneuropathy , microcytic anemia and copper defi ciency aft er prolonged allopurinol treatment

Copper is a cofactor for numerous coenzymes and metalloproteins essential for normal neurologic function. Th e most common neurological presentations of copper defi ciency are myelopathy, polyneuropathy and optic neuropathy. Here we present two cases of sensorimotor polyneuropathy, copper defi ciency and microcytic anemia in conjunction with allopurinol management for gout. Th ese two patients presented with a clinical description similar to that of chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy. It would be advisable to determine the levels of trace elements in patients with polyneuropathy of unknown cause. We believe that further studies are necessary in order to gain better understanding of the role of copper serum levels in the development of sensorimotor polyneuropathy.