Serum zinc level in children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome

Background: Zinc as a second trace element of human body plays an essential role in numerous function. Abnormality in the metabolism of zinc in renal problem especially nephrotic syndrome is well documented. We aim in this research to measure the serum zinc level in patients with relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Patient and method: A hospital based case control study that conducted at nephrology clinic at Al-Sadder and AL-Zahra teaching Hospitals for period between 1stJanuary 2013 to end of October 2013. A total of 60 pediatric patients with relapsing nephrotic syndrome were enrolled in this research. They were divided in two groups, (30) patients constituent of group A (patients with infrequent relapsing) and (30) patients constituent group B (patients with frequent relapsing).Control group consist of 32 healthy children. Serum zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometery. 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(frequentrelapse) (58.45 µg/dl) that was significantly lower than that of group A (infrequent relapse) (61.58/dl) and control group (89.64µg/dl) respectively. P-value <0.001. 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 mainly found in those with frequent relapses Routine follow up of serum zinc level and other possible causes of hypozenicemia should be studied before giving zinc to the patients.