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X‐Ray Microanalysis of the Fingernails in Term and Preterm Infants
Author(s) -
Sirota L.,
Straussberg R.,
Fishman P.,
Dulitzky F.,
Djaldetti M.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
pediatric dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1525-1470
pISSN - 0736-8046
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1470.1988.tb01167.x
Subject(s) - medicine , microanalysis , magnesium , potassium , chlorine , significant difference , phosphorus , zinc , physiology , metallurgy , chemistry , materials science , organic chemistry
The element content of the fingernails of 10 term and 14 preterm infants, clipped for the first time after delivery, was determined by x‐ray microanalysis. The results showed a decrease in sulfur and aluminum, and a higher chlorine content in term infants in comparison with preterm ones, the difference being statistically significant. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and zinc content did not differ in the two groups. Copper, iron, magnesium, aluminum, and phosphorus were detected in trace amounts only. Cobalt was not detected in the fingernails of newborns in either group. The elevated content of aluminum in the fingernails of preterm infants may be a clue to the osteopenia observed in these infants.