[Trace element metabolism in healthy and sick children. II. The disease state]

In the last 3 decades, the discovery of importance of trace elements in structure and functions of many enzymes, provided a tremendous impetus for research on the physiopathology, metabolism, clinical pharmacology and toxicology of these micronutrients in human beings, specially, in children. This paper presents recent information on various pathological inherited and acquired conditions, with abnormal nutritional status in children, due either to deficiency or excess of some oligo-elements. The general aspects of abnormal metabolism, physiopathology, and some specific clinical features, are described.