Study Of Serum Zinc In Low Birth Weight And Preterm Infants

Abstract

Backgroun: Zinc plays a crucial role during the first phase of life, including embryogenesis and fetal life.  A large percentage of preterm neonates is affected by mild to moderate subclinical zinc deficiency. Diagnosis of zinc deficiency, especially of mild severity, is not easy due to its nonspecific features and to the lack of highly sensitive biomarkers. On the other hand, early diagnosis may be essential to avoid severe consequences of zinc deficiency. Clinical evaluation and research of the risk factors associated with the measurement of serum level of zinc is the most appropriate approach in the diagnosis of zinc deficiency.

Objective: To study the serum zinc in low birth weight & preterm and comparing the result with levels at term,  and study the causes and effects of zinc deficiency in order to prevent the complications.

Methods:  A prospective cohort, case-control study that included all patients admitted to the University Children's Hospital in Damascus in NICU during the time period from 1/8/2020 to 1/8/2021.

Results:  The two groups of preterm and term had a decrease in the mean serum zinc level, but the mean was lower in the group of preterm than at term, there was statistically significant differences. The correlation between the serum zinc level and the variable of height, the head circumference, weight for gestational age an important statistical significance. A statistically significant was found between the serum zinc level with the following variables: the mother's nutrition, intake of nutritional supplements, and the method of enteral feeding provided to newborns.

Conclusion:  Preterm and low birth weight babies are born with low zinc stores. This is associated with the risk of developing long-term complications. We recommend routine calibration in this group at birth and appropriate compensation in case of deficiency.