Association of zinc and copper with clinical parameters in the preterm newborn.

Background: Given that preterm infants are born at a time of rapid fetal growth, they are at risk of deficiency of essential nutrients for brain development, including zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). This study evaluate the relationship between serum Cu or Zn, gestational age (GA) and anthropometric parameters at birth in preterm infants.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of infants <35 weeks' GA from January 2010 to August 2012.