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Serum zinc levels in children with acute gastroenteritis

Akgün Olmez1, S Songül Yalçin, Kadriye Yurdakök

  • 1Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Facutly of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. dr_akgun@yahoo.com

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|May 30, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Serum zinc levels in infants with acute gastroenteritis were not significantly affected by the illness itself. Gastroenteritis did not further deplete zinc in cases of existing mild or subclinical zinc deficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acute gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness.
  • Zinc deficiency can impact immune function and recovery.
  • Understanding zinc status during illness is crucial for management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum zinc levels in infants with acute gastroenteritis.
  • To compare zinc levels on admission and after recovery.
  • To assess the impact of gastroenteritis on zinc status.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 82 infants (2-24 months) with acute gastroenteritis.
  • Exclusion of infants with infections, chronic diseases, or malnutrition.
  • Comparison with 41 healthy infants as a control group.

Main Results:

  • Mean serum zinc levels on admission (Zn1) and after recovery (Zn2) were similar to controls.
  • Zn2 was significantly lower than Zn1, but clinical significance is debated.
  • No statistical difference in zinc levels between patients and controls.
  • Dehydration status did not alter Zn1 or Zn2.
  • 39% of controls had low zinc, indicating subclinical deficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Acute gastroenteritis does not significantly alter serum zinc levels in well-nourished infants.
  • The disease state does not further decrease zinc levels in patients with pre-existing asymptomatic or subclinical zinc deficiency.
Abstract

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