Serum Zinc Level and Asthma Control in Children

Background: Asthma is a widely prevalent non-communicable disease (NCD) that affects both infants and adults. A critical trace element, zinc (Zn) is involved in a variety of physiological processes, such as tissue repair and regeneration, immune system maintenance and priming, and growth and development. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum Zn level and control of asthma in children. Methods: This observational study included 100 children aged 6 months to 18 years diagnosed as asthmatic at Pediatric chest clinic of Benha University Hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups according to control of bronchial asthma: Group I (n= 49): Children with Asthma Control Test (ACT)/Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) > 19 and group II (n=51): Children with ACT/C-ACT ≤ 19. Results: Zn level could predict cases with poor bronchial asthma control. Zn level had statistically significant positive correlation with (hemoglobin and ACT/C-ACT) and negative correlation with eosinophils level. Zn level could predict cases with poor bronchial asthma control, at a cutoff value < 69 μg/dL, sensitivity was 60% and specificity was 75%, p=0.002. Conclusion: Patients with poor controlled asthma had statistically lower Zn level and statistically higher frequency of Zn deficiency compared to patients with good, controlled asthma. Zn level had statistically significant positive correlation with (hemoglobin and ACT/C-ACT) and statistically significant negative correlation with eosinophils level. At a cutoff value < 69 μg/dL.