Baseline Serum Concentrations of Zinc, Selenium, and Prolactin in Critically Ill Children*

Abstract

Objectives-To describe serum concentrations of zinc, selenium, and prolactin in critically ill children within 72 hours of PICU admission, and to investigate relationships between these immunomodulators and lymphopenia.

Increased plasma selenium is associated with better outcomes in children with systemic inflammation

“…These findings were similar to those of a previous study in which plasma selenium concentrations slightly increased with the duration of stay in the ICU in adult patients, although they remained severely low on day 7 of ICU stay [25]. Low plasma selenium concentrations also have been reported in children with critical illnesses [12][13][14]. It should be emphasized, however, that plasma selenium concentrations do not ultimately represent the amounts of tissue selenium, as there is only 0.2 mg selenium in plasma for 20 to 40 mg in the whole body [26].…”

“…One study demonstrated that low selenium concentrations were inversely related to the incidence of infections in burn patients [13]. Plasma selenium below the normal range was more likely among children with infection or sepsis in a cross-sectional study with a large sample of critically ill children [14]. It is probable that the cellular immune dysfunction secondary to oxidative stress predisposes patients to increased risk for infection and poorer clinical outcome.…”

“…Low plasma selenium concentrations also have been reported in children admitted to intensive care units (ICUs); however, to date, it is unclear to what extent they are associated with disease severity and clinical outcomes [12][13][14]. This study was designed to assess the effects of changes in plasma selenium on the outcome in critically ill children.…”

The authors reply

“…Similar to the low zinc concentrations and lymphocyte counts described by Gaspar et al (1) during the acute phase of critical illness, we found serum zinc levels below the normal range in 84% of 280 children and lymphopenia in 39.6% of 235 children within 72 hours of admission to a PICU (2). Low serum zinc levels were associated with lymphopenia.…”

Relationship between zinc and the growth and development of young children

“…Hair zinc concentration is an index for zinc nutrition status in vivo and can reflect zinc accumulation and metabolism over a certain period (Heidemann et al, 2013). Prodam and Aimaretti's research (2013) has shown that the hair zinc concentration in anorectic children is significantly lower than that of healthy children and that hair zinc concentration is positively correlated with dietary zinc intake and erythrocyte zinc concentration.…”