Impaired immune function in a premature infant with zinc deficiency after total parenteral nutrition. Zhonghua Min Guo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi 1996;37(5):364-9
Date
09/01/1996Pubmed ID
8942032Abstract
The report describes a premature infant with necrotizing enterocolitis who developed symptoms of zinc (Zn) deficiency after three to four weeks of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Clinical presentations included characteristic skin rash, alopecia, retarded growth, generalized edema and decreased serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Immune function studies revealed impaired neutrophil adhesion and mitogen-induced lymphoproliferation, whereas phagocytosis, chemotaxis and lymphocyte subsets remained normal. A high dose of elemental Zn (2.5 mg/kg/day), administered orally, improved the clinical symptoms and restored the immune function. In patients with Zn deficiency, impaired neutrophil adhesion and lymphocyte function may contribute to immunodeficiency which can be reversed with adequate Zn supplementation.
Author List
Fan PC, Teng RJ, Chou CC, Wu TJ, Tsou Yau KI, Hsieh KHAuthors
Ru-Jeng Teng MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinTzong-Jin Wu MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
HumansInfant
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Lymphocyte Activation
Male
Neutrophils
Parenteral Nutrition, Total
Zinc
