THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION AMONG CHILDREN WITH COVID-19 INFECTION

Dr. Md Monir Hasan* and Dr. Alok Kumar Sarkar

ABSTRACT

Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the potential impact of zinc supplementation among children with covid-19 infection. Method: This experimental and case control observational type study was carried out at tertiary medical college and child health institute from May 2020 to December 2020. A total 40 children included in the study, hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-positive patients’ investigation for serum zinc levels. Covid-19 infected children with lower zinc level considered as a group-1, n=20 whereas Covid-19 infected children with adjuvant zinc therapy considered as a group-2, n=20. Results: During the study, most of the patients belong to 3 years 2 months to 4 years 2 months age group. Cough with running nose followed by sore throat, nasal blockage were the common symptom in both groups. In group-1 45% children suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome followed by 20% had sepsis, 10% admitted in ICU, 20% stayed in hospital ≥7 days and 5% patients were died. Whereas, in group-2 15% children suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome followed by 10% had sepsis and no patients had died. In group-1 80% patients discharge with on request followed by only 9.5% patients discharge with good recovery where as in group-2 83.3% were discharged with good recovery followed by 9.3% discharge on request, 1.9% were DORB and referred. Conclusion: Role of zinc in COVID-19 infected children and establishing the appropriate dosage to improve their survival. With more research, zinc could provide a cost-effective therapy for COVID-19, certainly the need of the hour in this pandemic.

Keywords: Covid-19 infection, zinc supplementation, pandemic situation.