RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Zinc is a vital trace element and its deficiency in cirrhosis might potentiate the development of hepatic encephalopathy. The objective of this study was to assess the zinc levels in serum of patients having viral cirrhosis and compare it with normal healthy controls. METHODS: This study was conducted in Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National hospital and medical college, Karachi, Pakistan; from January 2014 to December 2014. Total of 45 patients with the mean age of 52.44±8.7 years were included. The three groups of patients were made including Child Pugh Class Score B (Group-1), Child Pugh Class C (Group-2) and healthy controls (Group-3) having 15 patients in each group. Zinc levels in serum were evaluated by the help of atomic absorption spectrometry (Normal range50-150 µg/dl). RESULTS: Total of 45 subjects was enrolled in this study. Overall prevalence of zinc deficiency was noted in 13(28.9%) patients. Mean value of zinc levels in group 1,2 and 3 were 68.09±20.85, 50.69±15.86 and 92.91±17.18µg/dL respectively. Highly statistical difference was observed in the mean zinc level between three groups p=0.0001. An inverse correlation was observed between Child Pugh Score and the zinc level in serum r=-0.498. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from advanced cirrhosis appeared to have lower serum zinc levels. In patients suffering from viral cirrhosis having hepatic encephalopathy, zinc supplementation might improve clinical outcome.