Observations on serum iron, zinc, copper and magnesium in intravenously fed patients with chronic sepsis.
In a retrospective study of 176 people who received intravenous nutrition, eight developed a septic episode of at least 12 days duration. We investigated the metabolism of four essential elements (iron, zinc, copper and magnesium) in this group. Plasma concentrations of iron, copper and magnesium followed expected trends; unexpectedly the plasma concentration of zinc was maintained. The implications of these findings in relation to the septic patient are discussed.
Taggart
D P
DP
Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, Scotland.
Shenkin
A
A
Fell
G S
GS