Blood zinc, iron, and copper levels in critically ill neonates.

The aim of this study is to explore the prognostic value of blood zinc, iron, and copper levels in critically ill neonates by comparing blood metal levels with the score for neonatal acute physiology (SNAP). Forty-six neonates (26 boys, 20 girls; ages ranging from 10 min to 23 days) who had been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of hospital and who were critically ill according to SNAP were included. Another 15 neonates (12 boys, 8 girls; ages ranging from 30 min to 24 days) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. Clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and SNAP for critically ill neonates were recorded. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Ill neonates were divided into extremely critical (SNAP ≥ 10) and critical groups (1 ≤ SNAP < 9). Zn levels were lower in patients than in controls (p <0.05). Cu levels did not differ between patients and controls (p >0.05). Fe levels were not significantly between the critical and control groups (p >0.05). In ill neonates, blood Zn and Fe concentrations in the extremely critical group were lower than in the critical group (p <0.05). Serious illness in neonates may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.

Prognostic value of blood zinc, iron, and copper levels in critically ill children with pediatric risk of mortality score III.

We aimed to explore the association of blood Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and changes in the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score in critically ill children, to predict prognosis. We included 31 children (22 boys and 9 girls, 1 month to 5 years old), who had been admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital and who were critically ill according to PRISM score of III. Another 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls, 3 months to 5 years old) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. We recorded clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and PRISM III score for critically ill children. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all p < 0.05). Cu levels differed between patients and controls, but not significantly (p > 0.05). In ill children, blood Zn and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with PRISM III score (Zn: r = -0.36; Fe: r = -0.50, both p < 0.05), with no significant correlation of blood Cu level and PRISM III score (r = -0.13, p > 0.05). Serious illness in children may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.