Abstract
BackgroundZinc is an essential trace element involved in various physiological functions. In Japan, zinc acetate dihydrate is administered to neonates and infants with hypozincemia. Since serum copper concentrations are reduced by the administration of zinc, we retrospectively investigated changes in serum zinc and copper concentrations in preterm infants with hypozincemia receiving zinc acetate dihydrate.MethodsSixty-three preterm infants were included in the present study. Serum zinc and copper concentrations, doses, and other clinical characteristics were retrieved from electronic medical records.ResultsThe medians and interquartile ranges of the dosage and duration of zinc acetate dihydrate were 2.1 (1.8–2.5) mg/kg/day and 12.0 (10.0–13.0) days, respectively. Its administration increased serum zinc concentrations in 39 patients (61.9%) and to more than 70 μg/dL in 16 patients (25.4%). The group with a serum zinc concentration of 70 μg/dL or higher after administration had a significantly higher zinc dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day than the group with a serum zinc concentration of less than 70 μg/dL. Serum copper concentrations did not decrease in 44 patients (69.8%). In the group with a decreased serum copper concentration, postmenstrual age and body weight were significantly lower, while serum zinc concentrations were significantly higher at the start of administration.ConclusionThe present results showed that when zinc acetate dihydrate was administered to preterm infants with hypozincemia, it was possible to increase serum zinc concentrations without decreasing serum copper concentrations in many cases. However, caution may be required when administering zinc to preterm infants with a lower postmenstrual age or milder hypozincemia because serum copper concentrations may decrease.
Highlights
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in various physiological functions
Data collection Data on gestational age (GA), body weight and height, the dose and duration of the zinc acetate dihydrate treatment, and serum zinc and copper concentrations immediately prior to the start of the zinc acetate dihydrate administration and in the first clinical examination after its administration were retrospectively retrieved from electronic medical records
Since significant differences were observed in postmenstrual age (PMA) and serum zinc concentrations before the start of administration between the groups with and without decreased serum copper concentrations, we proposed the following three mechanisms
Summary
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in various physiological functions. In Japan, zinc acetate dihydrate is administered to neonates and infants with hypozincemia. Zinc is an essential trace element involved in various physiological functions, such as taste sensations, immune functions, skin metabolic functions, and skeletal development, and is required for the in vivo activation of more than 300 enzymes [1]. In Japan, zinc acetate dihydrate has been approved as a therapeutic agent for hypozincemia and is administered to neonates and infants with hypozincemia as off-label use [6]. A decrease in copper concentrations has been reported as adverse effects of zinc administration [7]. Zinc and copper induce the expression of metallothionein, which contributes to their homeostasis. Zinc decreases serum copper concentrations by inducing the expression of metallothionein, which binds to copper and inhibits absorption
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
