title: Changes in serum zinc and copper induced by operative trauma and effects of per- and postoperative zinc infusion.
abstract: Serum zinc, albumin and copper levels were monitored for 5 days after operative trauma in 22 patients. As in earlier studies, a decrease in serum zinc and albumin levels was found. The mean fall in serum zinc was 40% and in albumin, 20%, of the preoperative values. Serum zinc increased after postoperative day 2; albumin remained decreased, indicating a rise in filtrable zinc. A correlation between the fall in serum albumin and serum zinc was found in individual patients. In contrast to previous studies, we found a decrease in serum copper postoperatively. A further 23 patients were supplemented with a zinc and copper containing infusion per- and postoperatively. These patients showed a marked (significant) reduction in the serum zinc fall, the serum level being normalized after 5 days. An insignificant reduction in the fall of serum albumin was also found.
mesh_terms: D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013997:Time Factors; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D012709:Serum Albumin; D003300:Copper; D015032:Zinc