Assessment of Serum Levels of Calcium and Phosphate among Children with Protein Energy Malnutrition Attending Pediatric Hospital in Khartoum State

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.