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Prognostic Value of Blood Zinc, Iron, and Copper Levels in Critically Ill Children with Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score III

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Abstract

We aimed to explore the association of blood Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and changes in the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score in critically ill children, to predict prognosis. We included 31 children (22 boys and 9 girls, 1 month to 5 years old), who had been admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital and who were critically ill according to PRISM score of III. Another 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls, 3 months to 5 years old) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. We recorded clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and PRISM III score for critically ill children. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all p < 0.05). Cu levels differed between patients and controls, but not significantly (p > 0.05). In ill children, blood Zn and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with PRISM III score (Zn: r = −0.36; Fe: r = −0.50, both p < 0.05), with no significant correlation of blood Cu level and PRISM III score (r = −0.13, p > 0.05). Serious illness in children may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.

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Acknowledgments

We appreciate the support from the National Natural Science Foundation Council of China (30772458 and 81072508).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China

    Guanghuan Wang, Xiaojun Yu, Xiaohu Xu, Dian Wang, Hanjin Yang & Xuezhi Shi

  2. The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic China

    Guanghuan Wang & Xueyong Feng

  3. Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Xinling Road 22, Shantou City, Guangdong Province, China, 515031

    Xiaojun Yu & Xiaohu Xu

Authors
  1. Guanghuan Wang
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  2. Xueyong Feng
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  3. Xiaojun Yu
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  4. Xiaohu Xu
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  5. Dian Wang
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  6. Hanjin Yang
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  7. Xuezhi Shi
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Xiaojun Yu or Xiaohu Xu.

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Wang, G., Feng, X., Yu, X. et al. Prognostic Value of Blood Zinc, Iron, and Copper Levels in Critically Ill Children with Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score III. Biol Trace Elem Res 152, 300–304 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-013-9623-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-013-9623-x

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