Serum zinc and magnesium levels in preterm neonates seen at Jos University Teaching Hospital

This study aimed to determine the serum levels of zinc and magnesium in preterm neonates. A total of 40 neonates were grouped into preterm (case 20) and full-term (control 20) groups at the neonatal unit of the Jos University Hospital (JUTH). Serum zinc and magnesium levels were assayed using the autoanalyzer, Mispa Excel Chemistry anautoanalyzerion 2.1e lite, by Agape Diagnostics Ltd. Data were analyzed using the International Business Machine Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM; SPSS) version 27. Results were compared in both case and control groups and p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. The mean serum zinc and magnesium levels were higher in preterm neonates (p = 0.077 and 0.505 respectively). The relationship between serum zinc and magnesium levels on age and gender in both preterm and term groups showed no statistically significant differences. Confounding factors like gestational age, gestational type, parity, and socioeconomic status did not show statistically significant differences. Magnesium deficit was seen in both the term (9 neonates) and preterm (8 neonates) groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, serum zinc and magnesium levels were non-significantly higher in preterm neonates compared to full terms. Hyperzinceamia, hypomagnesemia, and hypermagnesemia were recorded in both preterms and full-terms, suggesting that zinc supplementation may not be necessary. However, due to the importance of these elements and their potential complications, routine monitoring of these levels is important for proper management.