Intrauterine growth restriction and zinc concentrations in term infants during the first month of life.
OBJECTIVE
We analyzed the influence of IUGR on the concentrations of plasma (Znpl) and erythrocyte (Zne) zinc and on the ratios of Zne to Znpl (Zne:Znpl) and Zne to hemoglobin (Zne:Hb) in term infants during the first month of life.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
Tertiary Care Neonatal Unit.


METHODS
Exclusively breastfed term newborns (n = 84) were divided into 3 groups: group I, without IUGR (n = 41), group II, with mild to moderate IUGR (n = 12), and group III, with severe IUGR (n = 31). IUGR was defined as birth weight under the 5th percentile of the Alexander et al curve and as a Kramer Index (KI; ratio of birth weight to estimated weight for each gestational age) <0.85. Severe IUGR was defined as a KI <0.75. Znpl, Zne, and Hb were measured at birth, 3 days, and 1 month of life.


RESULTS
Znpl tended to decrease (P = 0.073), Zne and Zne:Znpl increased (P < 0.001), and Hb decreased (P < 0.001) during the first month of life. There was not Znpl, Zne and Zne:Znpl time by group interaction. Zne:Hb increased (P < 0.001) during the first month of life and was lower in Group II at 1 month of age. Differences between Groups I and II (P = 0.017); and Groups II and III at 1 month of age (P = 0.011) were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that IUGR did not have association with erythrocyte zinc and Zne:Hb ratio at birth. However, neonatal nutrition could have influenced zinc incorporation during this period, through Zne increase.
Yamada
Renato Takeshi
RT
Nursery Annex to the Maternity, Clinics Hospital, São Paulo University, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brasil. renato.yamada@ig.com.br
Leone
Cléa Rodrigues
CR
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001724:Birth Weight; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000097:blood*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D006454:Hemoglobins; D015032:Zinc