THE EFFECT OF INTERMAXILLARY FIXATION ON LEUKOCYTE ZINC, SERUM TRACE-ELEMENTS AND NUTRITIONAL-STATUS OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Mononuclear cell (MNC), polymorphonuclear cell (PMNC) and serum zinc l evels were studied in 17 oral surgical patients with intermaxillary fi xation. Serum copper, iron, selenium and bromide concentrations were a lso measured together with common indices of nutritional status. Nine patients received nutritional counselling. Eight patients had, in addi tion, oral supplementation with a commercial formula. No changes in in tracellular or serum zinc levels were seen during the study period. A statistically significant decrease was seen in mean body weight with s ubsequent changes in anthropometry. Maximal mean weight loss was 6.0 /- 3.8% in control group and 3.8 +/- 2.7% in supplemental group. The i mpaired oral intake due to intermaxillary fixation does not interfere significantly with zinc status as estimated by MNC, PMNC or serum zinc levels. The reduction in body weight and anthropometric indices in th e relatively short fixation period may be clinically significant in so me patients. Supplementation with a commercial formula helps to mainta in the nutritional status of these patients.