Evaluation of trace elements analysis in Pediatric Patients with COVID-19: A report from Turkey

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the levels of Selenium, Copper, and Zinc in an attempt to identify the role of trace elements in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection.MethodsWe randomly selected 29 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19. Blood serum sample was collected to study serum Se, Zn, and Cu levels at disease onset and at the time of discharge.ResultsThe median age of our patients was 71.1 ± 14.4 months (range, 3-205 months); 14 (48.3%) patients were male. The mean CRP, and D-Dimer levels were significantly higher at disease onset than at discharge. On the other hand, the mean Cu, Zn, and Se levels were significantly lower at disease onset compared to the time of discharge. The patients with mild-moderate disease severity were older than the patients with severe disease although the difference did not reach statistical significance (82.2±17.7 vs 54.5± 24.7 months; p=0.374). There was no correlation between age and trace elements other than Zn.ConclusionWe believe that, patients and other individuals under risk of COVID-19 should be supplemented with trace elements.