Serum zinc level in children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome

Background: Zinc as a second trace element of human body plays an important role in numerous function. Abnormality in the metabolism of zinc in renal problem specially nephrotic syndrome is well documented. The Aim of Study: To study change in serum zinc concentration in children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Patients and method: A hospital based case control study that conducted at nephrology clinic at Al-Sadder and AL-Zahra teaching Hospitals in Al Najaf Al Ashraf included patients with nephrotic syndrom for period between 1st January 2013 to end of October 2013. A total of 60 pediatric patients with relapsing nephrotic syndrome were included in this study. They were divided in two groups, (30) patients group A (patients with infrequent relapsing) and (30) patients group B (patients with frequent relapsing). Control group consist of 32 healthy children. Serum zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectr.ophotometery. Results: Patients aged 2-14 years, boys were 40 and girls were 20. The mean age of patients was 7.5 years. The Mean serum zinc level in group B (frequent relapse) (58.45 µg/dl) that was significantly lower than that of group A (infrequent relapse) (61.58/dl )and control group( 89.64 µg/dl ) respectively. There was no significant difference between patients of both groups and control in the mean of serum zinc level and sex of patients. Conclusion: Hypozincemia can occur in chronic renal problem like nephrotic syndrome. The low level of serum zinc was mainly found in those with frequent relapses.