The Association Between Zinc Levels and Inflammatory Markers in Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study with New Insights

Abstract

Background: Zinc is an essential supplement in brain function and in inflammation, helps to regenerate damaged tissues, and regulates inflammatory cytokines. However, its relationship with diagnostic indicators such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is controversial. Objectives: Since there are no clear results regarding its relationship with procalcitonin (PCT), this study sought to investigate this relationship and the diagnostic value of zinc. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 children with urinary tract infection (UTI) referred to Bandar Abbas Children’s Hospital over a one-year period (2023 - 2024). Demographic data (age, sex), clinical findings (symptoms, fever, physical examination), and laboratory parameters including complete blood count with differential, CRP, ESR, serum creatinine (Cr), sodium (Na), potassium (K), zinc, and PCT levels were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations between serum zinc levels and inflammatory markers. Results: The mean serum zinc level of the patients was 53.49 ± 8.95 μg/L, and the serum PCT level was 2.67 ± 0.67 ng/mL. Correlation tests showed that the relationship between zinc and PCT (ρ = 0.064, P = 0.545), zinc and CRP (ρ = 0.192, P = 0.065), and zinc and ESR (ρ = -0.103, P = 0.325) was not statistically significant. Also, comparison between different pathogens (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella) did not show significant differences in zinc and PCT levels (P > 0.05). Conclusions: In children with UTIs, serum zinc levels did not show a significant correlation with inflammatory markers such as PCT, CRP, and ESR, and there were no notable differences based on the specific pathogen involved. These results indicate that zinc may have a minimal impact on acute inflammatory responses in pediatric UTIs. It is suggested that further research with larger sample sizes and long-term studies be conducted to better understand the possible clinical significance of zinc.