Abstract
Serial serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations were measured in 4 intravenously fed, non-Zn, non-Cu supplemented premature infants all of whom had culture proven bacterial septicemia in the 3rd to 4th weeks of life. (Mean G.A. = 28.7 wks., mean birth wt.=1115gms.). Mean serum Zn and Cu concentrations in the infected group were compared to 9 non-Zn and non-Cu supplemented, age matched, IV nourished controls. The data suggests that the premature infant, similar to the adult, (J Infect Dis 126:77, 1977), is capable of sequesting Zn as a host response to infection from early in gestation. Serum Zn concentrations may be helpful in monitoring onset of infection and adequacy of antibiotic therapy in the newborn. No statistically significant changes in Cu in response to infection were seen.
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