Serum trace elements in children receiving long-term parenteral nutrition

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Trace Element Metabolism
• Parenteral Nutrition

Background:

• Long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is crucial for children unable to absorb nutrients orally.
• Assessing trace element status in pediatric TPN patients is vital for monitoring health outcomes.
• Understanding the impact of TPN on trace element balance is essential for optimizing nutritional support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine serum concentrations of nine trace elements in children receiving long-term TPN.
• To compare trace element levels between TPN groups and healthy controls.
• To evaluate the adequacy of trace element intake from TPN and oral sources.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 18 children (4-65 months) on TPN and 19 healthy controls.
• Trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Cr, Mn, Ni, Rb, Br) were quantified.
• Two TPN groups were analyzed: exclusive TPN (Group 1) and partial oral intake with TPN (Group 2).

Main Results:

• Group 1 (exclusive TPN) had normal Fe, Cu, Mn; elevated Zn; and decreased Se, Cr, Ni, Rb, Br.
• Group 2 (partial oral intake) showed decreased Mn, Cr, Ni, Rb, Br.
• Unsupplemented trace elements (Se, Cr, Mn, Ni, Rb, Br) were lower in TPN groups compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Long-term TPN, especially when exclusive, is associated with altered serum trace element profiles in children.
• Inadequate intake of unsupplemented trace elements from both TPN and oral sources is indicated.
• Further research is needed to correlate these biochemical findings with clinical manifestations in pediatric TPN patients.