Net metabolic changes of zinc, copper, nitrogen, and potassium balances in skeletal trauma patients

Abstract

Zinc, copper, nitrogen, and potassium balances of 10 male skeletal trauma patients were determined over 5–6 days each. Nutrition consisted of electrolyte/glucose and/or blood/blood product infusions. Patients were stared on balance studies within 24 hr following injury. Zinc and copper were analyzed by atomic absorption while nitrogen was measured by the microKjeldahl technique and potassium by flame photometry. The mean daily balances for these patients were −1563 μg zinc, −266 μg copper, −20.0 g nitrogen and −29 mEq potassium for 5 patients receiving electrolyte/glucose infusions and +1273 μg zinc, +322 μg copper, −12.9 g nitrogen, and −26 mEq potassium for 5 patients receiving blood/blood products in addition to electrolytes/glucose. Routine daily maintenance supplementation of 2 mg zinc and 1 mg copper is recommended for skeletal trauma patients on electrolyte/glucose and those on electrolyte/glucose with blood/blood products intravenous infusions. Further balance studies are necessary to ascertain the level of zinc and copper supplementation needed by skeletal trauma patients receiving different nutritional support.