Serum level of some trace elements in children with nephrotic syndrome under corticosteroid therapy

Three trace elements, namely copper, zinc and iron were determined in nephrotic children under corticosteroid therapy for variable periods. Serum copper, zinc and iron were significantly decreased in nephrotic children before starting and medication [Group II]. Nephrotic cases with proteinuria receiving corticosteroids for 2 weeks [Group III] showed a significant decrease in serum copper and ceruloplasmin while iron and zinc were not significantly changed. Cases of nephrotic syndrome under corticosteroid therapy for one month with absent proteinuria [Group IV] showed a significant decrease in both copper and iron. Serum zinc increased significantly in nephrotic cases under corticosteroid therapy for two months [without proteinuria] [Group V.]. While copper and ceruloplasmin were still significantly decreased without significant changes in serum iron level. These results were discussed