Copper and zinc intake and serum levels in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the copper and zinc intake and serum levels in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), considering the pauci and polyarticular types, the disease activity and duration, the number of inflamed joints and the use of corticosteroids therapy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study with control group.

SETTING

Outpatients of the pediatric rheumatology public health clinic, of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina, Brazil.

SUBJECTS

Forty-one patients with JRA were evaluated and 23 patients' brothers, as a control group.

INTERVENTIONS

Copper and zinc intake evaluation by Food Register method. Copper and zinc serum levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

The disease activity did not determine difference in copper (P=0.624) and zinc (P=0.705) intake, being predominantly below the Recommended Dietary Allowances. The serum copper in relation to control was statistically greater (P=0.018), showing that the number of inflamed joints is statistically significantly related with its variation (P=0.001). The serum zinc was not different either in relation to control (P=0.940) or to the disease characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of copper intake seems to be of fundamental importance. It may influence the efficiency of the organic serum response. More research is needed to indicate, with security, adequate zinc intake.