Objective: It has been demonstrated that oxidative stress induced tissue damage plays a role in the pathogenesis of several otolaryngological diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in the plasma of children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH).

Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 60 children, 30 healthy children (Group 1) and 30 children with AH (Group 2). Se, Zn, and Cu measurements were taken using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results: The plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and Cu levels were significantly higher, and the plasma Se and Zn levels significantly lower, in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). When all the cases were evaluated together, a statistically significant negative correlation was determined between Zn and CRP (r=−0.322, p=0.012) and WBC (r=−0.262, p=0.043), and a positive correlation was found between Se and Zn (r=0.276, p=0.033).

Conclusion: Decreased serum antioxidant trace element Se and Zn and increased Cu in children with AH when compared with healthy controls supported the hypothesis that AH is associated with decreased antioxidant response and increased inflammation.