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Early changes of some serum proteins and metals in diabetic children
A M Kobbah1, K Hellsing, T Tuvemo
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
Children with new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) show decreased serum prealbumin and albumin. Magnesium levels progressively decrease, while zinc levels are transiently reduced in early IDDM.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Diabetes Mellitus Research
Background:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a chronic condition affecting children.
- Nutritional status and specific serum markers are crucial in managing pediatric IDDM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum concentrations of key proteins and minerals in children with newly diagnosed IDDM.
- To track changes in these markers during the initial two years of the disease.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal study design.
- Analysis of serum prealbumin, albumin, orosomucoid, magnesium, zinc, and calcium.
- Comparison between 30 newly diagnosed IDDM children (aged 3-15 years) and 44 healthy controls over two years.
Main Results:
- IDDM children had lower initial serum prealbumin and transiently reduced zinc and elevated calcium at diagnosis.
- Serum albumin decreased significantly over time, while magnesium levels showed a progressive and significant reduction.
- Orosomucoid levels did not differ between groups.
Conclusions:
- Early IDDM is associated with significant alterations in serum proteins (prealbumin, albumin) and minerals (magnesium, zinc).
- Progressive decline in magnesium and transient reduction in zinc are notable findings in pediatric IDDM.
- Monitoring these markers may aid in understanding the metabolic disturbances in pediatric IDDM.
Abstract:
Serum concentrations of prealbumin, albumin, orosomucoid, magnesium, zinc and calcium were studied in 30 children with newly diagnosed IDDM aged 3-15 years, during the first two years of the disease, and in 44 healthy control children. On admission serum prealbumin was significantly lower in IDDM children (149 +/- 48 mg/l) (M +/- SD) than in healthy controls (194 +/- 39 mg/l) (p less than 0.001). During the two years follow-up prealbumin increased significantly, but did not reach the level of healthy controls. Serum albumin was slightly increased at diagnosis (p less than 0.01), but later decreased significantly (p less than 0.01). Orosomucoid concentrations did not differ between diabetics and controls. Serum magnesium was initially within the reference interval but later decreased, and after 2 years of IDDM it was highly significantly reduced (p less than 0.001). Serum zinc was significantly reduced in IDDM children at diagnosis (p less than 0.001), but was within the reference interval after one and 2 years. Serum calcium was increased in the IDDM group at diagnosis (p less than 0.01), but later normalized. It is concluded that in early IDDM there is a decrease in serum prealbumin and albumin, and serum magnesium decreases progressively, while serum zinc is only transiently reduced.