Serum level of zinc in asthmatic patients: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND Hypozincemia could lead to a variety of defects in growth and the immune system, while it seems to be associated with increased rate of asthmatic attacks in children. METHODS This study was performed to assess the serum zinc level in 100 paediatric asthmatic patients in comparison with a control group. RESULTS Mean serum level of zinc in the asthmatic patients was 70.5±22.6 μg/dL, which was significantly lower than 80.9±16.9 μg/dL in the control group (p<0.001). Forty-two asthmatic patients (42%) had hypozincemia, while this rate was 12% in healthy children (p<0.001). There was a significant association between the zinc level and severity of asthma (p<0.001). However, no significant association was detected between the serum level of zinc and other factors, including control and treatment of the disease. CONCLUSIONS As for high rate of hypozincemia in the asthmatic children, evaluation of serum zinc level in asthmatic children could be suggested, while zinc substitution in the diet of those with hypozincemia could be recommended.