Zinc, copper, and selenium levels in babies with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Introduction: Although the etiology of congenital heart disease is uncertain, interaction of genetic and environmental factors has been implicated in 90% of cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between serum zinc. copper. and selenium levels and congenital heart disease. Materials and methods: Zinc, copper, and selenium levels were investigated in 44 patients (22 female, 22 male) diagnosed with congenital heart disease and their mothers, together with 32 healthy children (15 female and 17 male) in our healthy-child clinic and with no cardiac pathology at echocardiography, and their mothers. Results: Copper levels in patients with patent foramen ovate and zinc levels in patients with pulmonary stenosis were significantly lower than those in the subjects with no disease children (p = 0.039 and p = 0.023. respectively). However, no difference was determined in serum selenium levels between the patient and control groups in our study. No statistically significant difference was determined in these trace clement levels in mothers of children in the patient and control groups. Conclusion: In conclusion. our study is significant in showing an association between copper and zinc deficiency and congenital heart disease.