[Assay of trace elements in the serum by the PIXE method in patients with Crohn's disease]

Concentrations of trace elements were determined by the PIXE method (particle induced X-ray emission) in 43 serum samples from 29 Crohn's disease patients and compared with the results obtained from a control group of 100 healthy subjects. Most of the patients were outpatients whose disease was quiescent or moderately active. Half of them had a good nutritional state. Mean serum selenium level was significantly higher in the Crohn's disease group than in the control group. A negative correlation was found between serum selenium and C-reactive protein levels. Mean serum bromine was normal in the Crohn's disease group, but there was a positive correlation between serum bromine and fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels and leucocytosis. Mean serum copper concentration was higher in women than in men in both groups. In Crohn's disease patients, copper serum concentration was increased and correlated positively to fibrinogen and C-reactive protein concentrations, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and thrombocytosis, and negatively to hematocrit. Copper serum level could be used as a marker of Crohn's disease activity. Mean serum zinc level was decreased in the Crohn's disease group. There was a positive correlation between serum zinc level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen concentration.