RESUMO
Urinary tract infection [UTI] is one of the most common infections in infants and children, especially in their first decade of life. These patients are more susceptible to renal scars and other possible complications like growth retardation, arterial hypertension, proteinuria, isostenuria, and finally chronic renal failure. Trace elements like vitamins and minerals are essential for efficient metabolism and proper function of various body systems namely immune system. In this trial we compared the relation between serum levels of zinc, vitamins A and D in children inflicted with UTI and control group. This was a cross-sectional study on 25 patients with UTI admitted to pediatric wards of Rasul Akram Hospital and Bahrami Hospital. They were compared to 40 other patients admitted in surgical wards for elective surgery. Serum levels of zinc, vitamins A and D were measured in both groups. Seventy two percent of the patients were male and 28% female. The average age was 2.17. Despite the lower levels of vitamins A and D in cases than controls, the difference was not significant [P=0.4 and P=0.9, respectively]. However, serum levels of zinc were significantly lower in cases than controls [P<0.05]. Vitamins A and D may play some role in patients' vulnerability to UTI, but this supposition needs more research on larger samples, considering differences among patients of various age groups and their nutritional status. According to the study, lower levels of zinc were associated with susceptibility to UTI; thence, its administration might be helpful