Comparison of Baseline Serum Zinc Level in 1 - 5-Year-Old Children Hospitalized for Gastroenteritis with Children Hospitalized for Other Diseases at Dr. Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital in Kermanshah

Abstract

Background: Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious diseases among children and is one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide. Studies show a relationship between zinc deficiency, malnutrition and diarrhea in children. Zinc is an essential element that plays a key role in the immune system. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the baseline serum zinc level of children with gastroenteritis and compare it in children with other diseases. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 160 children aged 1 to 5 years presenting to Dr. Kermanshahi Hospital in autumn 2017. In this study, two groups of children were selected: those with gastroenteritis (n = 80) and those with other diseases (n = 80) and their baseline serum level of zinc was measured using Birex Fars kit and automatic calorimeter, and compared. Results: Findings showed that 53.8% of the participants had a history of zinc use (more than a month before) and 46.2% had no history of zinc use. There was no statistically significant relationship between serum zinc level and age. In addition, no significant difference was observed in serum zinc level in patients with gastroenteritis and patients with other diseases (P = 0.840). Also, 65% of the samples in the gastroenteritis group and 70% of the samples in the other diseases group had normal zinc level which showed no significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that serum zinc level in children with gastroenteritis was not significantly different from others. It is recommended that serum zinc level be measured before administration in children with gastroenteritis to make sure they need it.