A case control study on role of zinc levels in acute lower respiratory infections

Abstract

Pediatric respiratory disease remains an important cause of morbidity in both the developing and the developed world. It has become the most common reason parents cite for taking their children to see the general practitioner, and nutritional factors are a major reasons for ALRI. Objective: Acute respiratory infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in fewer than five children worldwide especially in developing countries. Hence, the present study was undertaken to identify the serum zinc level in children’s hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children aged 6 months to 5 yr. Methods: 100 cases fulfilling WHO criteria for pneumonia, in the age group 6 months to 5 yr were interrogated for potential nutritional risk factors as per a predesigned proforma and serum zinc level was measured. 100 healthy control children in the same age group were also interrogated and zinc level measured. Results: Significant low serum zinc level (p value