Abstract:
A cross-sectional study conducted to assess the plasma calcium and phosphate
levels among children with protein energy malnutrition compared with apparently
healthy children attending pediatrics hospitals in Khartoum state, Sudan in the
period from April to July 2012. Eighty children, 40 malnourished (test group) and
40 apparently healthy (control group) were enrolled in this study.
The Colorimeter (JENWAY-6051) and SPINREACT reagent were used to measure
the calcium by Calcium-O-Cresolphthalein Complexone colorimetric method and
phosphate by Phosphomolybdate Colorimetric method.
The data was analyzed using SPSS computer analysis program and the results
Showed significant difference between the mean of the plasma calcium of the test
group (n=40), (6.31+1.96) mg/dl and the control group (n=40) mean +SD
(9.87+1.85) mg/dl, p=0.000. Also there is significant difference between the mean
of the plasma phosphate of the test group, (3.92+1.63) mg/dl and control group
mean +SD (5.89+1.72) mg/dl, p=0.000. Significant positive correlations were
found between the plasma levels of calcium and phosphate and body weight.
In conclusion: in children with malnutrition, the plasma levels of both calcium and
phosphate are significantly reduced, this reduction is also associated with reduction
in body weight.
