Changes in serum zinc and copper induced by operative trauma and effects of per- and postoperative zinc infusion.

Serum zinc, albumin and copper levels were monitored for 5 days after operative trauma in 22 patients. As in earlier studies, a decrease in serum zinc and albumin levels was found. The mean fall in serum zinc was 40% and in albumin, 20%, of the preoperative values. Serum zinc increased after postoperative day 2; albumin remained decreased, indicating a rise in filtrable zinc. A correlation between the fall in serum albumin and serum zinc was found in individual patients. In contrast to previous studies, we found a decrease in serum copper postoperatively. A further 23 patients were supplemented with a zinc and copper containing infusion per- and postoperatively. These patients showed a marked (significant) reduction in the serum zinc fall, the serum level being normalized after 5 days. An insignificant reduction in the fall of serum albumin was also found.