Correlation analysis of serum vitamin and trace element levels and bone age in short stature children / 公共卫生与预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the serum vitamin and trace element levels in children with short stature and their correlation with bone age. Methods Levels of serum VA and VD, and trace elements Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, Cu, Pb and Cd were measured in 322 children who were referred for height consultation. Bone ages were evaluated and the correlation between bone age and serum vitamin and trace element levels was analyzed. Results The VA and VD deficiency rates of these 322 children were 22.05% and 34.16%, respectively. The deficiency rates of trace elements Ca, Fe and Zn were14.29%, 21.43% and 6.83%, respectively. The Pb excess rate was as high as 42.55%. The rates of bone age (BA) retardation in Group Ⅰ (short) and Group Ⅱ (slightly short) were 49.38% and 37.57%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of Group Ⅲ (normal). The Ca level of BA retardation children was lower than that of the normal BA children in Group I. The VD level of BA retardation children was lower than that of the normal BA children in Group Ⅱ. BA was negatively correlated with VD, Ca, and Cu levels in children (r=-0.241; r=-0.136; r=-0.162), and positively correlated with Fe (r=0.286) . Conclusion There were significant abnormalities of vitamins and trace elements in short children. Children's bone age had a certain correlation with serum vitamin D, calcium, copper, and iron levels. Serum vitamin and trace element levels in children should be monitored to guide a reasonable diet to better promote child growth and development.