X-ray microanalysis of the fingernails in term and preterm infants

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Pediatr. Dermatol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.1988.tb01167.x· OSTI ID:6540780

Sirota, L; Straussberg, R; Fishman, P; Dulitzky, F; Djaldetti, M

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.

• Research Organization: Hasharon Hospital, Petah-Tiqva (Israel)
• OSTI ID: 6540780
• Journal Information: Pediatr. Dermatol.; (United States), Vol. 5:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
NAILS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
SKELETAL DISEASES
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
ALUMINIUM
CALCIUM
CHLORINE
COPPER
ELECTRON MICROPROBE ANALYSIS
FINGERS
INFANTS
IRON
MAGNESIUM
PHOSPHORUS
POTASSIUM
SODIUM
SULFUR
ZINC
AGE GROUPS
ALKALI METALS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHILDREN
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
HALOGENS
HANDS
LIMBS
METALS
MICROANALYSIS
NONMETALS
ORGANS
SKIN
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
550201* - Biochemistry- Tracer Techniques
550901 - Pathology- Tracer Techniques