Serum zinc (Zn) level dynamics in blood serum of patients with acute viral hepatitis B and early recovery period.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was an analysis of serum zinc level dynamics in patients with acute hepatitis B and early recovery period compared with control group. The investigation included 39 patients aged 18-76 hospitalised in the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Medical University of Lublin, because of acute hepatitis B. Determinations of zinc (Zn) level in blood serum were made four times during hospitalisation and once, four weeks after discharging from the clinic in the early recovery period using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The control group included 24 persons aged 22-69. Zinc (Zn) levels of those people were determined once. The obtained numerical data were subjected to statistical analysis. Lack of significant differences between men and women allowed to calculate the range of our norm, which was assumed at the level of M +/- 2SD, that is between 12.948-19.036 mumol/l. The significantly decreased serum zinc level was observed during hospitalisation while the differences stated in the serum level of this element in initial and early recovery determination compared with control group results are markedly at random.