Serum zinc levels during oral glucocorticoid therapy

The course of serum zinc (S-Zn), plasma albumin (P-Alb), urinary zinc, serum alkaline phosphatase, and plasma alpha 2-macroglobulin levels was monitored in 14 adult hospitalized patients receiving oral glucocorticoid therapy, about 40-50 mg prednisone daily for various skin diseases. Within 3 days S-Zn decreased slightly from 12.6 +/- 2.3 mumol/liter (mean +/- SEM) to 11.1 +/- 2.5 mumol/liter. Then the level rose to about 14-15 mumol/liter and remained elevated, but within the normal range for the next 2 weeks. The P-Alb level showed parallel fluctuations although less pronounced. The S-Zn/P-Alb ratio increased from 0.024-0.029. No consistent patterns could be seen in the fluctuations occurring in the additional parameters studied. The possible role of ACTH on the S-Zn regulation is discussed.