Plasma Levels of Trace Elements Have an Implication on Interferon Treatment of Children with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

This study evaluated the plasma levels of trace elements in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assessed whether they can be a factor that affects the response to interferon alpha (IFN-α) treatment. The study included 35 cases (ten girls, 25 boys) aged 3–13 years with chronic HBV infection and the control group. Plasma levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were measured before IFN-α treatment and biochemical, virological, and histopathologic response to treatment were assessed. Children were followed for at least 15 months. Although plasma Cu levels showed no difference between the groups, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower in the study group before treatment. Fourteen cases (40%) showed biochemical response; 17 (48.6%) showed virological response; 16 (47.6%) showed histopathologic response, and ten (28.6%) showed response according to all three parameters. Plasma Cu and Mn levels of patients with triple response showed no difference; but Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower ( p < 0.001) in the study group. No difference was observed between responders and nonresponders ( p > 0.05). Plasma levels of Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn are lower in children with chronic HBV infection compared to healthy children. The pretreatment levels of these elements did not show difference between responders and nonresponders to IFN-α.