Zinc Levels in community acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients; a case control study

IntroductionPneumonia usually connotes the infection of pulmonary parenchyma. Pneumonia is best classified according to the setting in which it occurs i.e community acquired pneumonia (CAP) hospital acquired or immunodeficiency associated. Dietary zinc deficiency is widespread in developing countries. Zinc deficiency is related to the morbidity and mortality in CAP.Aims and objectivesTo compare serum zinc values of community acquired pneumonia patients with healthy controls and to see the effect of zinc levels with severity of pneumonia.Methods and materialsA case control study involved 100 patients of community acquired pneumonia with age and sex matched healthy controls, after getting informed consent from all subjects. The serum zinc level was measured, analyzed and interpreted with regard to age, CURB-65, comorbidity and hospital stay.Results and observationThe mean age of patients was 59.74 years. 53 patients were males and 47 were females. Smoking history was present in 55 patients. The mean serum zinc level in patients was 89.9 μg/dl whereas in controls it was 105.65 μg/dl, which was statistically significant. The zinc levels were low in elderly patients and controls as compared to young ones. Mean zinc level was lower in patients of high CURB-65 score and vice versa.SummaryOur study revealed a definite relation of low serum levels of zinc with community acquired pneumonia and there is definite decrease in serum zinc levels as the age increases. Considering the morbidity, mortality, hospital stay and financial burden and to reduce the use of antibiotics for pneumonia, especially in developing countries like ours, serum zinc levels should be routinely measured and thereby supplemented.