2020, Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part C

Background and Objectives: One of the leading causes of death and illness among children in underdeveloped nations is acute respiratory tract infections. Zinc serum levels in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections are the focus of this investigation. This is associated with acute lower respiratory tract infection severity, the requirement for intravenous antibiotics, and the pattern of recovery.

Materials and Methods: This study is a case-control investigation that was carried out in the Department of Community Medicine, Sambhram Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The study was done from February 2019 to January 2020. The study's sample consisted of 50 instances of acute lower respiratory tract infection, along with 50 children who were matched in terms of sex, age, and nutritional condition, serving as controls.

Results: Prolonged hospital stay was associated with a reduction in mean serum zinc levels. The average zinc concentration decreased within the range of normal zinc levels in children who were hospitalized for a duration of less than 7 days. In addition, a higher prevalence of zinc insufficiency was observed when comparing patients and controls. A greater proportion of children with bronchiolitis exhibited a normal zinc level. A higher proportion of children with pneumonia and lobar pneumonia exhibited a zinc deficiency. In addition, a greater proportion of children with severe acute lower respiratory tract infections exhibited zinc deficiency compared to those with mild and moderate acute lower respiratory tract infections.

Conclusion: In severe acute lower respiratory tract infections, there was a notable decrease in serum zinc levels in comparison to mild and moderate acute lower respiratory tract infections. Additionally, it was observed that children requiring an extended hospital stay exhibited a deficiency in serum zinc levels.