Serum Zinc Level in Children with Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

Zinc as a second trace element of human body plays an important role in numerous function. Abnormality in the metabolism of zinc in renal problem especially nephrotic syndrome is well documented. We aim in this study to measure the serum zinc level in children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome. A hospital based case control study that conducted at nephrology clinic at Al-Sadder and AL-Zahra teaching Hospitals for period between 1^stJanuary 2013 to end of October 2013. A total of 60 pediatric patients with relapsing nephrotic syndrome were included in this study. They were divided in two groups, (30) patients constituent of group A (patients with infrequent relapsing) and (30) patients constituent group B (patients with frequent relapsing). Control group consist of 32 healthy children. Serum zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometery. patients aged 2–14 years, boys were 40 and girls were 20. The mean age of patients was 7.5 years. The Mean serum zinc level in group B (frequent relapse) (58.45 μg/dl) that was significantly lower than that of group A (infrequent relapse) (61.58 μg/dl) and control group (89.64 μg/dl) respectively