Zinc Deficiency in Children with Dengue Viral Infection

Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent in low-income countries, with dramatic consequences to child health, in particular by impairing the immune system resulting in infection. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Thai children who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of the dengue viral infection. Standard cut-off values according to age, sex, time of blood collection, and fasting status were used to define zinc levels. 32 patients were included in the analysis: The mean age was 7.3 years, of whom 56.3% were males. 11 (34.4%) patients were diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever and the remaining had dengue fever. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 46.7%, with boys having a higher risk of zinc deficiency than girls (OR=7.3: 95%CI: 1.5-36.6). Fever duration and length of hospital stay were longer in children with zinc deficiency compared to those who had normal levels, albeit without a significant difference. The results of this study provide the rationale for larger studies that will better elucidate the relationship between zinc levels and the clinical outcomes of dengue disease.