Serum zinc levels in children 6 months–12 years having tuberculosis

BackgroundTuberculosis is one of the most serious health problems in our country.The association between tuberculosis and malnutrition is well recognized. Tuberculosis can lead to malnutrition, and malnutrition may predispose to tuberculosis. The micronutrient status in tuberculosis is affected significantly. Among the micronutrients, zinc plays a very important role as far as cell-mediated immunity is concerned. Limited data are available on the relationship between zinc levels and tuberculosis in childhood.AimThe present study was designed to estimate the serum zinc levels in children with tuberculosis and in children with malnutrition, and to compare the serum zinc levels between them.MethodsOur study was conducted on 100 children in the age group of 6 months–12 years reporting to Department of Pediatrics, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, out of which 50 children were those affected by tuberculosis and 50 children were those with malnutrition without tuberculosis. 50 age- and sex-matched children were taken as control.ResultsIt was observed that the mean serum zinc levels in TB were 45.18 ± 10.05 μg/dl, in PEM were 53.04 ± 7.13 μg/dl while in controls they were 86.84 ± 15.92 μg/dl. It was seen that serum zinc levels were significantly low in children with TB as compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Serum zinc levels were found to be significantly low in children with PEM (but without TB) as compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Also, serum zinc levels were significantly low in children with TB when compared to children with PEM (without TB) (p < 0.05).ConclusionSerum zinc levels are significantly affected in tuberculosis.