Zincémie, cuprémie et infection chez l'enfant malnutri

Abstract

Background. - Serum copper and zinc levels are decreased in malnourished and infected children. The role of either malnutrition or infection remains undetermined. Population and methods. - Serum zinc and copper concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 31 malnourished infants aged 1 to 26 months and 28 eutrophic infants aged 3 to 22 months. Fourteen infants of the first group and 10 of the second were infected at the time of study. Results. - Serum zinc and copper levels were significantly decreased in infants with malnutrition (zinc: 66 ± 32 μg/dl and copper: 81 ± 51 μg/dl versus 108 ± 26 and 185 ± 21, respectively, in eutrophic infants) (p < 0.001). These levels were still lower in those malnourished infants who were infected (zinc: 49.5 ± 18 μg/dl and copper: 63.5 ± 37 μg/dl versus 81.56 ± 35 and 94 ± 56 in non infected patients) (p < 0.02). Conclusions. - Infection increases the risk of low serum zinc and copper concentrations seen in malnourished children. This factor must be taken in account when treating malnutrition.