Zinc Deficiency in a Preterm Infant

Zaladonis, Carly; Safeer, Laraib Z.; Hanson, David C.; Erickson-Parsons, Laurel; Krakowski, Andrew C.

doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.08.020

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 5 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Administration of zinc at doses of 5–10 mg/day is recommended to reduce the risk of zinc deficiency in children with a high demand for nutrients [ 12 , 29 , 32 ]. Zinc deficiency is more severe in premature infants for several reasons: firstly, zinc is accumulated efficiently only during the late gestation period; secondly, the fetus receives zinc from the mother only during the last ten weeks of gestation; and thirdly, preterm newborns have a high requirement for all trace elements, including zinc, to support rapid growth and development [ 3 , 12 , 16 , 33 , 34 ]. Additionally, human milk has higher zinc levels (>300 mcg/dL) only in the first few weeks of feeding and it gradually declines to <100 mcg/dL at 6 months after delivery [ 12 , 34 , 35 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acquired Zinc Deficiency in Preterm Infant Post-Surgery for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) on Prolonged Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Al Qurashi,

Mohammad,

Aga

et al. 2024

Pediatric Reports

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Zinc (Zn) is a vital trace element that plays a pivotal role in protein synthesis, cellular growth, and differentiation and is involved as a cofactor of metalloenzymes, performing a wide variety of metabolic, immune, and synthesis roles. Zn is required at all stages of an infant’s and child’s development, and severe Zn deficiency has been reported to lead to slower physical, cognitive, and sexual growth. Preterm neonates are at a higher risk of developing zinc deficiency for a variety of reasons, including low Zn intake from enteral feeds containing breast milk, relative malabsorption due to immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract with limited absorptive capacity, increased urinary loss of zinc, and increased demand during the early developmental stages. Moreover, premature infants are at risk of gastrointestinal diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which can limit absorption capacity and potentially lead to malabsorption. TPN is frequently used in preterm infants to provide them with sufficient nutrients and calories. However, it has its own complications, including cholestasis, especially if used for prolonged periods. In this case report, we are presenting the case of a male preterm infant who was delivered by caesarean section at 26 weeks’ gestation. The baby developed an intestinal perforation due to NEC, for which he underwent surgery for resection of the necrotic bowel and the creation of a high ileal stoma and was put on prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which led to the development of zinc deficiency.

show abstract