Abstract
BackgroundA few published data on maternal and cord levels of zinc and copper with conflicting results were reported. We aimed to measure zinc and copper levels in the maternal blood and cord blood of newborns and correlate their levels with the gestational age and anthropometric measurements. This cross-sectional study included 75 full-term and preterm neonates and their mothers. These neonates were divided into 2 groups according to their gestational age. Serum levels of copper and zinc were estimated for the mothers of the studied neonates as well as their cord samples. This was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.ResultsThe mean cord serum zinc in full term was 0.88 ± 0.18 μg/ml whereas in preterms was 0.73 ± 0.13 μg/ml. The mean cord copper in full term was 1.37 ± 0.26 μg/ml, whereas in preterms was 0.75 ± 0.28 μg/ml. Comparison between cord zinc and copper levels and maternal levels were statistically significant (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between zinc levels in neonates and their mothers (r 0.644; p < 0.000) and a similar positive correlation was found between copper levels in neonates and their mothers (r 0.625; p 0.000). A highly significant positive correlation was found between cord zinc and copper and anthropometric measurements.ConclusionThe present work draws our attention to the significant correlation between trace elements in pregnant mothers and fetal development. Also, prematurity adversely influences zinc and copper levels in neonates.
Highlights
A few published data on maternal and cord levels of zinc and copper with conflicting results were reported
Thirty-two full-term neonates and 17 preterms were delivered by normal vaginal delivery while 3 full terms and 23 preterms were delivered by Caesarean section
A significant positive correlation was found between zinc levels in neonates and their mothers (p < 0.05); an increasing level of zinc in mothers was associated with an increasing level of zinc in their neonates (r 0.644; p 0.000)
Summary
A few published data on maternal and cord levels of zinc and copper with conflicting results were reported. We aimed to measure zinc and copper levels in the maternal blood and cord blood of newborns and correlate their levels with the gestational age and anthropometric measurements This cross-sectional study included 75 full-term and preterm neonates and their mothers. Since preterm infants are born prior to the time of rapid intrauterine fetal growth, they are vulnerable to deficiencies of essential nutrients for brain development, including zinc and copper [6]. These elements need to be studied to supply health personnel with fundamental data necessary for appropriate management
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
