Estimation of Zinc Level in Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Pediatric Hospital in zagazig University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine – Zagazig University, Egypt

2 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine – Zagazig University, Egypt

3 Clinical pathology department,faculty of medicine,Zagazig university,Zagazig,Eygpt

Abstract

Background: Zinc (Zn) is an essential element in the nutrition of human beings. It is needed in all DNA and RNA syntheses and is required at every step of the cell cycle. Zinc deficiency in children can cause stunted growth and increased incidence of infections. Zinc deficiency has been suggested as a major risk factor for developing pneumonia. The aim of this study was to assess the serum Zn levels in children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and study the association between low Zn levels and other known risk factors of LRTI. Method s: A cross-sectional study, which was conducted on ninety patients with acute LRTI. They aged between two months and five years. The patients were admitted to pediatric department at Zagazig University Hospitals during the period from February 2017 to February 2018. All patients were subjected to general and chest examinations. Also, complete blood picture, serum Zn level measurement and chest X ray were done. Results: Mean serum Zn level among the studied patients was 200.75 ± 37.44 µg/dl, which is considered normal or even slightly elevated than normal values There was no association between serum Zn levels and any of the other risk factors of LRTI. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in serum zinc level among different lower respiratory infections and there was no significant difference in serum zinc level and other risk factors of the disease.

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Zagazig University Medical Journal
Volume 28, Issue 6.1
supplement 1
November 2022
Pages 148-153

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