Zinc and Copper Urinary Excretions in Children with Burns and Scalds

The daily urinary losses of zinc and copper have been measured over periods of up to 12 days following thermal injury in 18 children. Comparison with measurements of zinc and copper excretions in 35 control children showed that after injury by burning or scalding, the urinary excretions of both metals were increased in many of the patients. After severe injury, high urinary outputs of zinc and copper persisted for up to two months following injury.