Serum Zinc, Copper and Albumin in Paired Mothers and Their Term Newborn in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Pediatrics. ., Published by Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
Objective: This study assessed the serum zinc, copper and albumin levels in
paired mother and newborns in the immediate neonatal period to establish
the relationship between the pair, and the influence of maternal micronutrient
status on that of the newborn if any. Methods: The sociodemographic
characteristics of the mothers were obtained using a structured questioner after
informed consent was obtained from the parents of the baby. At delivery,
paired mother and newborns had their serum zinc, copper and albumin assayed,
using cord blood in the newborn. Result: One hundred and thirty five
mothers and their paired term newborns completed the study. The mean age
of the mothers was 29.2 ± 4.6 years with 67% within the age bracket 20 to 30
years. Seventy three percent of the mothers attained tertiary education and
22% had secondary education. The mean serum zinc was significantly higher
in the newborn (3.67 ± 1.49 μmol/L) than in the mothers (2.20 ± 1.01
μmol/L), p = 0.0001, with a feto-maternal ratio of 1.6 to 1. Copper was significantly
higher in the mothers (4.27 ± 1.77 μmol/L), than in the newborns
(2.84 ± 0.92 μmol/L) (p = 0.001), with a maternal-fetal ratio of 1.5 to 1. Mean
serum albumin was significantly lower in the newborns than in the mothers
(p > 0.011). Conclusion: This study established that term newborns have
higher serum zinc, a lower serum copper and albumin levels than their maternal
levels. The distribution of these trace elements is probably protective in
the newborns against infection.
Description
Keywords
Serum Zinc, Copper, Albumin
Citation
273-282