SMALL BABIES

RELATIONSHIP OF MATERNAL SERUM ZINC LEVELS TO THE BIRTH WEIGHT OF THE INFANTS`

Abstract

Zinc is an essential trace mineral. It is considered a growth factor as it is
the metallic component of enzymes DNA polymerase, DNA dependent RNA polymerase and thymidine kinase.
Objective: To find out the relationship of maternal serum zinc levels with birth weight of the babies. Period: January
1989 to May, 1991. Setting: Lady Wellingdon Hospital Lahore, King Edward College, Lahore and Metallurgy
Department PCSIR Laboratories, Lahore. Design: Prospective study Patients & methods: Among the 216 registered
pregnant women 46 subjects had no feto-maternal complications during pregnancy and they delivered babies having
birth weight adequate for Gestational Age (AGA). Thirteen women gave birth to babies Small for Gestational Age
(SGA). Blood samples were taken at the end of each trimester and serum zinc was measured by atomic absorption
spectrophotometer. Results: Serum zinc levels were significantly low (P<0.001) throughout pregnancy in women giving
birth to SGA babies. Conclusion: Serum zinc levels throughout the course of pregnancy are associated with intrauterine
growth of the babies.b