Zinc status and its relations to growth retardation in children with biliary atresia.

Zinc status was studied in 36 children with biliary atresia and in ten children with Hirschsprung's disease or anorectal anomalies. Changes in preoperative and postoperative plasma and urinary zinc levels were measured in 16 children with biliary atresia and ten children with Hirschsprung's disease or anorectal anomalies. Hypozincemia was evident in children with biliary atresia preoperatively and became severe with time when adequate zinc supplementation was not given. Follow-up studies were done in 20 children with biliary atresia aged between 9 months to 10 years. The children with poor bile excretion and impaired liver function tended to have hypozincemia and a high excretion of zinc. Growth retardation was also common in these children. Careful monitoring and appropriate supplementation of micronutrients, including zinc is probably important for normal growth in children with biliary atresia.