Serum Zinc Levels as a Predictor of Severity of Acute Diarrhea

To determine relationship between serum zinc levels and severity of diarrhea as determined by hydration status, duration of diarrhea and requirement for hospitalization. Also, to compare serum zinc levels in relation to rotavirus status.

A prospective observational study which included 254 children aged 6 mo to 5 y with diarrhea was conducted.

Serum zinc levels could be estimated in 198 children. Median (IQR) serum zinc levels of study population were 73.5 (59.11–92.86)μg/dl. Median (IQR) of serum zinc levels in children with dehydration and without dehydration were 69.64 (54.57–81.62) and 82.86 (64.1–103.48) μg/dl respectively (p < 0.001). Median (IQR) of serum zinc levels in hospitalised and non-hospitalished children were 63.28 (51.81–85.37) and 74.86 (61.75–95.78) μg/dl, respectively (p 0.013). Median (IQR) of total duration of diarrhea was 4.8 (3.5–6.0) d and it did not correlate with serum zinc levels. Median (IQR) of serum zinc levels in children, with rotavirus diarrhea was 66.8 (49.7–82.48) and non-rotavirus diarrhea was 80.0 (62.42–100.12) μg/dl (p < 0.001).

Children with dehydration and those with rotavirus diarrhea tend to have significantly lower serum zinc levels. Hospitalized children also have lower serum zinc levels than non-hospitalized children. Duration of diarrhea does not relate with serum zinc levels.