Some trace elements in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on 24 children [10 males and 14 females] with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, aged from 3 to 7 years, to evaluate some trace elements in these children. The results obtained were compared with those obtained from 15 normal healthy controls of the same age and sex. A significant decrease was observed in the serum copper, zinc and selenium, while there was a significant increase in serum magnesium, as compared to normal controls. Serum zinc, copper, and selenium had a significant positive correlation with serum albumin, while serum magnesium had insignificant negative correlation with serum albumin. Serum zinc, copper and selenium correlated negatively with 24 hours urine proteins, but serum magnesium correlated positively with 24 hours urine proteins. It is concluded that these trace elements may be used as diagnosticc and prognostic processes in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome