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Serum and hair zinc in cystic fibrosis

E A Mitchell, M Huymans, R B Elliott

    The New Zealand Medical Journal
    |July 9, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Zinc levels in hair were higher in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and growth problems. This finding suggests a link between zinc and growth issues in CF patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Medicine
    • Nutritional Science
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs.
    • Nutritional deficiencies, including trace elements like zinc, are common in CF.
    • Growth retardation is a significant complication in children with CF.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate serum and hair zinc levels in children with CF.
    • To compare zinc levels between CF patients with and without growth retardation.
    • To explore the potential role of zinc in CF-related growth impairment.

    Main Methods:

    • Serum and hair samples were collected from children with CF and healthy controls.
    • Zinc concentrations were quantified using appropriate analytical techniques.
    • Statistical analysis was performed to compare zinc levels between groups.

    Main Results:

    • No significant differences in serum zinc levels were observed between CF patients and controls.
    • Hair zinc levels were significantly higher in CF patients experiencing growth retardation compared to those with normal growth.
    • Serum zinc levels did not correlate with growth status in CF patients.

    Conclusions:

    • Hair zinc levels may serve as a potential indicator of growth retardation in pediatric CF patients.
    • Elevated hair zinc in growth-retarded CF children warrants further investigation into zinc metabolism and its role in CF pathophysiology.
    • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring trace elements in managing nutritional status and growth in children with CF.

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