Positive Health Online

Abstract

OJUAWO and KEITH, Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, PMB 1459, Ilorin, Nigeria, ojuawo@ilorin.skannet.com, has studied the serum concentrations of zinc, copper, and selenium in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background

The objective of the study was to measure the levels of trace elements in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methodology

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 38 children with ulcerative colitis, 36 children with Crohn's disease, and 40 age-matched healthy controls had their serum zinc, copper, and selenium levels assayed at presentation in hospital.

Results

Serum selenium levels in children with inflammatory bowel disease were significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.01). Serum copper concentrations ere significantly elevated in children with Crohn's disease compared to either healthy children or children with ulcerative colitis (p < 0.01). The levels of serum zinc were lower in children with Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis or healthy controls (p < 0.05). Thus, children with inflammatory bowel disease have a reduced capacity for free radical scavenging which may contribute to the continued inflammatory process.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the recommendation that children with inflammatory bowel disease should be given supplements of trace elements.

References

Ojuawo A, Keith L. The serum concentrations of zinc, copper and selenium in children with inflammatory bowel disease. The Central African Journal of Medicine 48 (9-10): 116-119, Sep 2003.