Trace elements in children with chronic and recurrent tonsillitis.

Trace elements are indispensable for life and play a very important role in the essential functions. According to some reports in the literature lower trace element levels increase the susceptibility to recurrent infections. Since there are no reports available in the English literature about the effects of trace elements on recurrent and chronic tonsillitis, 37 children with recurrent and chronic tonsillitis were evaluated for Zn, Cu and Mg levels. Serum levels of Zn in 6 patients were slightly lower than the normal limit. All the other serum levels of Zn, Cu and Mg were within the normal range. On the other hand, the mean serum level of Zn in the 37 patients was significantly lower than in a control group of 28 age and sex matched children. In contrast, the mean serum levels of Cu and Mg in the patients were significantly higher than in the control group. Whether this alteration in the trace element status causes or fosters recurrent and chronic tonsillitis is not clear.