[Copper and zinc levels in nails of children with cystic fibrosis, carriers and healthy controls (author's transl)].

Authors study copper and zinc levels and the ratio zinc/copper, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, in nails of children with cystic fibrosis, suspected carriers, relatives of patients, and healthy controls, the latest forming two different groups. A significant increase of copper and zinc levels in nails of cystic fibrosis patients compared to the controls is found. However, there were no significant differences with regard to the carriers. It is concluded that, in spite of significant findings, this method should not be used routinely because of the large fluctuations produced by the weight of nails, the sensitivity of the resonance line and the variations in these elements concentration on nails surface.