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Paediatric HIV: Correlation between Serum Zinc Levels and CD4 Percentage on Asymptomatic Nigerian Children Living
Uchenna Kennedy Chukwu1, Obinna Chukwuebuka Nduagubam1, Uchenna Ekwochi1
1College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Technology (Esut), Enugu, Nigeria.
Insights
Serum zinc levels in children with HIV were assessed. No significant relationship was found between zinc levels and CD4% in these pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- Children living with HIV often experience micronutrient deficiencies, impacting immune function.
- Zinc is crucial for immune system development and maintenance.
- Understanding nutrient status in pediatric HIV is vital for optimizing treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum zinc levels and CD4% in children with HIV.
- To determine if zinc status correlates with immune cell counts in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 100 ART-naïve children (5-60 months) living with HIV was studied.
- Serum zinc levels were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.
- CD4% was determined using flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- The median serum zinc level was 55.5 µg/dl.
- The median CD4% was 27.79%.
- No statistically significant correlation was observed between serum zinc levels and CD4% (r = -0.061, p = 0.557).
Conclusions:
- Serum zinc levels do not appear to be related to CD4% in asymptomatic, ART-naïve children living with HIV.
- Further research may be needed to explore other factors influencing immune status in this cohort.
Objective:
This study was conducted to determine the relationship between their serum zinc levels and the CD4% in a cohort children living with HIV.
Methods:
One hundred asymptomatic, anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) naïve children living with HIV (participants) aged 5-60 months who were enrolled into the Paediatric HIV clinic of The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital were recruited in the study over a 10-month period. Blood samples were collected in the morning from non-fasting participants and serum zinc levels were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The CD4% was ascertained using the CD4% easy count kit on the Partec® Cyflow Counter machine. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19.
Result:
The median (IQR) serum zinc level for the participants was 55.5 µg/dl (49.75) while their median (IQR) CD4% was 27.79% (18.67). Males had a median (IQR) CD4% of 24.29% (19.10) which was significantly lower than those of females [32% (20.59) (p = 0.047)]. No significant relationship was found between CD4% and zinc levels among the subjects (r = -0.061, p = 0.557).
Conclusion:
Serum zinc levels of asymptomatic ART naïve children living with HIV have no relationship with their CD4%.
