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Trace elements in children with chronic and recurrent tonsillitis
M Onerci1, S Kuş, O Oğretmenoğlu
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. oo04-k@tr-net.net.tr
Insights
This study found lower serum zinc and higher copper and magnesium levels in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared to healthy children. Further research is needed to understand the role of these trace elements in tonsillitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Trace elements are vital for biological functions, and deficiencies can increase infection susceptibility.
- Existing literature lacks data on trace element involvement in recurrent and chronic tonsillitis.
- Recurrent tonsillitis significantly impacts children's health and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) in children with recurrent and chronic tonsillitis.
- To compare trace element levels in patients with a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- Serum Zn, Cu, and Mg levels were measured in 37 children diagnosed with recurrent/chronic tonsillitis.
- A control group of 28 age- and sex-matched healthy children was included for comparison.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare trace element concentrations between groups.
Main Results:
- Mean serum zinc levels were significantly lower in children with tonsillitis compared to controls.
- Mean serum copper and magnesium levels were significantly higher in the tonsillitis group.
- Six patients exhibited slightly low serum zinc levels, while other individual levels were within normal ranges.
Conclusions:
- Children with recurrent and chronic tonsillitis show altered serum levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium.
- The observed trace element imbalances may be associated with tonsillitis, but causality is undetermined.
- Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the precise role of these trace elements in the pathogenesis of tonsillitis.
Abstract:
Trace elements are indispensable for life and play a very important role in the essential functions. According to some reports in the literature lower trace element levels increase the susceptibility to recurrent infections. Since there are no reports available in the English literature about the effects of trace elements on recurrent and chronic tonsillitis, 37 children with recurrent and chronic tonsillitis were evaluated for Zn, Cu and Mg levels. Serum levels of Zn in 6 patients were slightly lower than the normal limit. All the other serum levels of Zn, Cu and Mg were within the normal range. On the other hand, the mean serum level of Zn in the 37 patients was significantly lower than in a control group of 28 age and sex matched children. In contrast, the mean serum levels of Cu and Mg in the patients were significantly higher than in the control group. Whether this alteration in the trace element status causes or fosters recurrent and chronic tonsillitis is not clear.