RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Trace elements zinc and copper are effective in wound and fracture healing. In this prospective study, correlations between mangled extremity severity score (MESS) and mangled extremity syndrome index (MESI) and serum zinc and copper levels were investigated in trauma patients. METHODS: Seventeen trauma patients (11 females, 6 males; mean age 41.6 years; range 11 to 73 years) were evaluated with respect to MESS and MESI scores. On the seventh day of trauma, serum samples were obtained to determine zinc and copper levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Serum levels of zinc and copper showed significant negative correlations with both MESS (r=-0.65 and r=-0.76, respectively) and MESI (r=-0.83 and r=-0.77, respectively) scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The severity of trauma is associated with significant decreases in serum levels of trace elements. Thus, trace element supplementation may be an important aspect of treatment in trauma patients.