Estimation of Zinc Levels in Children With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Prospective Observational Study from India

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Aims: To assess the serum zinc levels in children aged 2 months to 5 years admitted with Lower
Respiratory Tract Infections and to study the association between low zinc levels and other
known risk factors LRTI.
Material and Method: This prospective, observational study enrolled 200 children in age group
of 2 months to 5 years admitted with acute LRTI. Serum Zinc level were measured and its association
was seen with other risk factors of LRTI.
Results: Mean serum zinc level of study population was 57.9±29.2 microgram/dL. There was
significant difference in zinc level depending on severity of pneumonia, nutritional status, anemia,
clinical vitamin A deficiency, breast feed infants and birth weight (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Low serum level of zinc were seen in severe pneumonia cases. Serum zinc levels
were found to be lower in risk factors of LRTI like poor nutritional status, anemia, vitamin A
deficiency, low birth weight and formula fed patients. Zinc supplementation is required in LRTI
patients especially those with the above mentioned risk factors.