Trace element (Al, Se, Zn, Cu) levels in serum, urine and tissues of burn patients

Trace elements are known to play many important roles in humans. It has also been shown that some of these elements are essential in wound healing. In this study, aluminium, copper, zinc and selenium levels were determined in serum, urine and tissue samples of burned patients and the relationships between wound healing and trace elements were evaluated. Trace element levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. During 20 days' treatment, a significant rise in aluminium levels was determined in serum, urine and tissue samples of patients. After day 5 of treatment, copper levels increased significantly only in urine samples. Zinc levels decreased in serum and tissue samples. However, zinc gave high values in urine within the first week then returned to the initial value. There was a significant decrease in zinc in serum and tissue samples taken from burned patients during treatment. Urine selenium levels showed a significant rise within the first 15 days.