Research Intern Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn North Chicago, Illinois, United States
Background: Zinc is a crucial micronutrient essential for vital physiological processes. It serves as a critical factor in protein synthesis, gene expression, hormonal regulation, and tissue differentiation. Among preterm infants, the demand for zinc is particularly high, supporting their cellular growth and brain development. A deficiency in zinc in the preterm population can manifest as symptoms including hindered growth despite adequate calorie and protein intake. A growing body of evidence suggests that even mild zinc deficiency may have significant yet subclinical effects, increasing the risk of various complications commonly seen in preterm neonates, including conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of zinc supplementation in comparison to a lack of zinc supplementation on the growth and nutritional status of preterm infants. Design/Methods: Zinc supplementation was introduced in our Level IV NICU on July 1st, 2023. Infants born weighing less than or equal to 1250 grams receive enteral zinc supplementation once they achieve their full enteral feeding volume. This supplementation regimen spans 30 days and comprises a daily dose of 1 mg of elemental zinc per kilogram of body weight, administered using zinc sulfate. Our ongoing study involves evaluating the average decrease in weight-for-age z-scores from birth to discharge for infants who have received zinc supplementation. We will then compare these findings to data from historical control groups. By early April 2024, our goal is to analyze the z-scores of 50-80 patients. To provide a comprehensive assessment, we will employ advanced statistical methods, including a chi-square analysis, to compare the z-scores and demographic data of two distinct groups: one prior to the introduction of zinc supplementation and the other that has received the supplementation. Although we have observed promising results at this juncture, we are committed to expanding our sample size to facilitate a more robust statistical analysis.
