SERUM ZINC LEVELS AMONGST UNDER SIX CHILDREN WITH ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS

Dr. Divya Dhiman, M.D Paediatrics and *Dr. Twinkle Sood, M.D OBG.

ABSTRACT

Background- Diarrhea accounts for over 20% of all deaths in under -five children Zinc is an important micronutrient necessary for protein synthesis, cell growth and differentiation, immune function and intestinal transport of water and electrolytes. The prevalence of zinc deficiency among Indian Children totaled around 40%. Materia and Methods - We conducted an observational prospective study that included children below 6 years of age who presented with acute gastroenteritis with mild or some dehydration who were admitted in paediatrics ward of Civil Hospital Palampur from July 2022 to December 2022. Acute gastroenteritis was defined as a loose or watery consistency of stool or increase in stool frequency (>3 times/day). The sample size was 50. After taking consent from the family members, at the time of admission, detailed history was taken, some blood investigations like CBC, RFT Serum electrolytes Serum zinc levels and stool analysis was done. Results- Out of total 50 children, there were 30(60%) males and 20(40%) females. 10(20%) children were < 1 year of age and 40(80%) were in the age group pf 1 – 6 year. In children < 1 year of age serum zinc levels were low in 4 (40%) patients and normal in 6 (60%) patients. In children from 1 to 6 years of age serum zinc levels were low in 28(70%) patients and normal in 12 (30%) patients. Conclusion- This study observed a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in under 6 children presenting with acute gastroenteritis so zinc supplementation should be done in these children.

Keywords: After taking consent from the family members, at the time of admission, detailed history was taken, some blood investigations like CBC, RFT Serum electrolytes Serum zinc levels and stool analysis was done.