Sepsis is a life-threatening organ failure induced by a compromised immune response to infection. Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality (50-60%) in children treated in inpatient and critical care units. Children suffering from immunodeficiency have a higher mortality rate. Several studies in recent years have revealed that zinc homeostasis may be a significant role in the prevention of sepsis. It was important to conduct this study to determine the efficacy of zinc in children suffering from sepsis.

This research is a randomized controlled trial with parallel study design conducted in Makassar, South of Sulawesi, Indonesia from February to May 2024. This study was conducted on children with a diagnosis of sepsis. Patients were divided into two groups, namely zinc group which received standard therapy with zinc and placebo group which received standard therapy with placebo.

The inclusion criteria were children aged 1 month to 18 years, diagnosed with sepsis, and parents/caregivers willing to participate their children in this study. Patients with diarrhea, malnutrition, Acute Kidney Injury due to kidney illness, hematological diseases, patients who have received zinc in the previous month, and patients who leave on their own request are all excluded from this study. Patients who not taking medication for up to three days in a row, either due to forgetfulness or self-determination, or due to side effects, and being unable to complete the study before the end date for various reasons, including death were declared dropouts.

Researchers will provide informed consent to parents/caregivers of children who met the research criteria. Anamnesis, general physical examination, and clinical also laboratory parameters were examined on day 0, 8, and 11 after zinc and placebo supplementation, such as; degree of consciousness, use of mechanical ventilators, P/F ratio, MAP, lactate levels, serum leukocyte and platelet counts, CRP and procalcitonin levels, lactate levels, sepsis progression, and mortality rates. The research results are recorded in a research form and the data is grouped and SPSS version 21.0 software is used for data analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered for statistical analysis. This study was approved by the ethics and research committee of the faculty of medicine, at Hasanuddin University.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Children aged 1 month to 18 years with diagnosis of sepsis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diarrhea
• Malnutrition
• Acute Kidney Injury due to kidney illness
• Hematological diseases
• Have received zinc in the previous month
• Leave on their own request

Dropping out criteria:

• Not taking medication for up to three days in a row
• Death