Abstract
Serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and 24 hour urine collections for Zn, Cu, and amino acid excretion were measured in 12 primarily intravenously nourished premature infants (mean GA=30.6 wks., mean birth wt=1067gms.). Five infants had two or more serial measurements. All infants were clinically stable, non post-op, and not infected at times of study. Mean age at time of first study = 3.3 wks. Serum Zn and 24 hr. urinary Zn excretion were positively correlated (r=.74 p<.0006). Infants with hypozincemia (serum Zn less than 70μg/dl) generally had urine Zn losses of <130μg/24 hr. Urine Zn concentrations of <100μg/24hr., with a serum Zn of greater than 70μg/dl was an indication of impending hypozincemia. The premature infant is capable of renal conservation of Zn under conditions of actual and impending hypozincemia.
Serum Cu and 24hr. urinary Cu excretion were not related (p=.17). Urinary copper excretion, previously shown to be related to increased urinary excretion of glycine and methionine during therapy with Freamine II was markedly reduced with the use of Freamine III and the concommitant reduction in glycine and methionine excretion. Urine Cu excretion averaged <lμg/24hr. and did not contribute significantly to Cu losses.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tyrala, E., Manser, J., Brodsky, N. et al. 648 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM CONCENTRATION AND URINARY EXCRETION OF ZN AND CU IN PREMATURE INFANTS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 548 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00661
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00661
