[Evolution of serum copper and zinc levels in burn patients (author's transl)].

The study of copper and zinc in 35 patients, over periods of up to 21 days following thermal injury, is marked by an important and early fall in serum copper and zinc levels. The maximum intensity of the biological disturbance appears about two days after the injury. Reversion to near normal values coincides with recovery from the large part of the lesions. The comparison of the evolution of serum levels does not permit any definite relationship to be established between copper and zinc metabolism.