Abstract

FELIU, María Susana et al. Reactive C protein, copper and zinc in serum of pediatric critical patients. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2006, vol.40, n.2, pp.233-237. ISSN 0325-2957.

Sera levels of reactive C protein (PCR), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were analyzed in pediatric critical patients. Nineteen children with different infections between 1 and 36 months of age and assisted by the Unit of Intensive Care were evaluated. Samples of whole blood were collected from fasting patients before the administration of pharmacologic therapy and the nutritional intervention. PCR was measured by single radial immunodiffusion technique; both minerals were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and the ratio Cu/Zn was calculated. Data were compared with international reference values for the same range of age. The results expressed as range are: PCR: 0.2-7.0 mg/dL; Cu: 0.4-2,2 µg/mL; Zn: 0.3-2.7 µg/mL; Cu/Zn: 0.3-2.1. Reference Values: PCR: < 0.8 mg/dL; Cu: 0.8-1.5 µg/mL; Zn: 0.65-1.4 µg/ mL Cu/Zn: < 1. Before the administration of pharmacologic therapy and the nutritional intervention, it was observed that 84% of patients showed PCR > 0.8 mg/dL; on the other hand, 63% of the population presented a Cu/Zn ratio higher than 1.0; it has been accepted that ratios higher than 1.0 are compatible with an increase in mortality. These results and previous observations would indicate an altered nutritional status, and stress the need to apply an adequate immunonutritional support, to optimize these patients' treatment.

Keywords : copper; zinc; reactive C protein; children; nutritional status.

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