Iron and Zinc Status of Children with Short Stature from Egyptian Rural Areas

Background and Aims: Short stature is a common problem in children globally, especially in developing countries. Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in developing country. Our aim was to study iron and zinc status in Egyptian children with short stature from rural areas (Eastern province) in age group 8-12 years. Methods: This study was conducted on 80 children who divided into 2 groups: group (1): 40 children with normal length for age as controls. Group (2): 40 children with short stature. All children included submitted to clinical assessment and laboratory tests including CBC, serum iron, TIBC, serum ferritin and zinc levels. Familial and Endocrinological causes of short stature and chronic diseases were excluded, Results: There was significant decrease in height (cm), weight(kg), BMI(%), hemoglobin (g/dl), and serum iron(µg/dl) in group 2 (128.9 ± 6.98, 60.2 ± 8.11, 20.1 ± 1.36, 10.1± 1, 61.5± 3.65 compared to group 1 (136.8 ±7.65, 68.9 ±7.58, 22.65 ± 1.98,11.15 ± 0.98 , 66.8± 4.32 (p<0.05). Serum zinc levels (mg/dl) and serum ferritin (ng/ml) were significantly lower and TIBC (µg/dl) were significantly higher in group 2 (54.3 ± 5.65, 24.5 ± 2.36, 325.6± 109.58) in comparison with group 1 (70.6 ± 6.22, 32.5 ± 5.32, 198.6 ± 56.8) (p<0.001). Serum iron was positively correlated with serum zinc and negatively correlated with TIBC (p<0.001). While, there was no significant correlation between serum zinc, iron levels, TIBC and serum ferritin with height, weight and BMI (p>0.05). Conclusion: Serum iron and zinc are significantly decreased in children with short stature.