Serum trace element of chidren with and without bronchopneumonia
Abstract
Objectives: Trace elements like Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) have a significant influence in maintaining the normal metabolic, modulating immune function and influencing the susceptibility of the organism to infection. But the relationship between trace element and bronchopneumonia was unclear. Methods: In this study, 28 children with bronchopneumonia and 46 healthy age-matched children were recruited. Serum (Zn), Cu, Fe, calcium (Ca) and/or magnesium (Mg) levels in children with and without bronchopneumonia were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The results show that several microelement levels such as Zn, Ca, Mg, and Fe in bronchopneumonia group are lower than in control group. In bronchopneumonia group, serum Ca level is positively associated with zinc (Zn) (p < 0.05) and iron (Fe) (p < 0.05), while there is a pronounced positive correlation between copper (Cu) and calcium (Ca) (p < 0.05), magnesium (Mg) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum trace element level may be associated with risk of bronchopneumonia among children.
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