Proportion of very preterm neonates with abnormal serum zinc levels: A Prospective observational study.

Zinc is the 2nd most abundant active trace element in human body after iron. It is essential in growth and tissue differentiation via gene transcription, metabolism of macronutrients and hormonal activity. Preterm infants are at high risk for zinc deficiency due to low body stores, increased renal and intestinal losses, low intake and high demand due to high growth velocity. Zinc deficiency in preterm is associated with stunted growth, increased risk of infections, skin rash and possibly poor neurodevelopment. There are limited studies on serum zinc levels in preterm babies in early postnatal life and adequacy of current zinc supplementation policy in very preterm babies is largely unknown. Relation between zinc deficiency and morbidities like NEC, MBD, ROP, BPD, infections and brain injury is not well established.

This study is a prospective observational study in preterm less than or equal to 32 weeks, includes collection of data at defined timepoints. Serum zinc values which are measured at least after 1 week of attaining full enteral feeds - 100ml/kg/day will be retrieved and assessed in study population. Relevant antenatal, postnatal history, demographic details, clinical data and investigations will be collected in a predefined proforma.