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Serum Vitamin D and Zinc Levels in Children with Urinary Tract Infection without Confounding Factors: A Case-Control
Mohsen Seifollahi1, Marzieh Heidarzadeh Arani2, Rozita Hoseini Shamsabadi3
1Department of Pediatrics, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
Insights
Children with urinary tract infections (UTIs) often have low levels of zinc and vitamin D. Addressing these deficiencies may help treat and prevent UTIs in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Nutritional Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections in children.
- Untreated UTIs can lead to severe health issues, including kidney disease.
- Zinc and vitamin D are crucial for immune function and preventing infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum zinc and vitamin D levels and UTIs in children.
- To evaluate zinc and vitamin D as potential immune markers for pediatric UTIs.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 40 children with UTIs and 40 healthy children.
- Serum levels of zinc and vitamin D were measured.
- Statistical analysis included chi-square, Fisher's exact, and independent t tests.
Main Results:
- Children with UTIs showed significantly lower serum zinc and vitamin D levels compared to healthy children (P < 0.001).
- Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 80% of children with UTIs versus 17.5% of controls.
- Zinc deficiency was present in 60% of children with UTIs versus 17.5% of controls.
Conclusions:
- Low serum zinc and vitamin D levels are linked to increased susceptibility to UTIs in children.
- Supplementation with zinc and vitamin D may aid in treating and preventing pediatric UTIs.
Background:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely prevalent bacterial infections among children. They have numerous potential causes. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, UTIs can lead to serious complications in children, including impaired growth, high blood pressure, protein in urine, and eventual chronic kidney disease. Zinc and vitamin D in sufficient concentrations help to maintain the health of the immune system. Therefore, their deficiency can cause various infections. Several factors can contribute to the development of UTIs. This article deals with the role of zinc and vitamin D as immune markers in UTI in children without other risk factors.
Methods:
In this case-control study, serum zinc and vitamin D levels without any other risk factors were examined in 40 healthy children and 40 children with UTIs. Data analysis was done through SPSS 26 using the chi-square, the Fisher's exact, and independent t tests.
Results:
The study findings demonstrated a statistically significant distinction between the 2 groups regarding serum vitamin D and zinc levels (P < 0.001); 80% of children with UTIs and 17.5% in the healthy group had vitamin D deficiency. Also, 60% of the urinary infection group had zinc deficiency, whereas 17.5% of the healthy group had it.
Conclusion:
Low serum zinc and vitamin D levels may increase susceptibility to pediatric UTI. Given the data, supplementation with zinc and vitamin D could play a significant role in treating active infections and preventing recurrence in susceptible children.
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