Comparison of Serum Zinc Levels Between Children With Febrile Urinary Tract Infection and Healthy Children

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in children. Zinc is the second most abundant mineral in the body involved in the growth, cell division, and regulation of immune system activity. In studies, zinc administration has been effective in improving pneumonia and gastroenteritis in children, and today, zinc is used to treat acute gastroenteritis in children. Due to the increasing use of various supplements in children and the importance of urinary tract infection and its complications in children. Objectives: This study was performed to compare serum zinc levels between children with febrile urinary tract infection and healthy children. Methods: In this case-control study, serum zinc was measured in 60 healthy children and 60 children with febrile urinary tract infection, without any underlying disease, by an Auto analyzer. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 software. Results: The difference in serum zinc levels between the two groups was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in zinc deficiency between the groups. Serum zinc levels were not associated with sex, age, frequency of urinary tract infection, the severity of leukocytosis, the severity of ESR increase, CRP, and length of hospitalization. In the age group of 24 - 72 months, a significant linear relationship was observed between serum zinc levels and weight. The incidence of urinary tract infections was higher in girls, and this difference was statistically significant in all groups, except in age groups 6 - 12 months and above 72 months. Conclusions: This study showed that low serum zinc levels did not increase the risk of febrile urinary tract infection in children. Therefore, prescribing zinc supplements to treat or prevent urinary tract infections requires further studies.