Frequency of Low Zinc Levels in Cirrhotic patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy

Aim: To determine the frequency of low serum zinc levels in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Study design: Cross-sectional survey Place and duration: Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Unit-3. Services Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Study was carried out over a period of six months from Feb 2013 to Aug 2013 Methods: A total of 114 cases were included in this study. Serum zinc level was done in all patients. The outcome variable of this study was low serum zinc levels. Results: Mean age of the patients was 47.8 +/- 7.5 years. Regarding gender distribution, 79 patients (69.3%) were male while 35 patients (30.7%) were female3 Distribution of grades of hepatic encephalopathy was as follows: 18 patients (15.8%) of grade-I, 32 patients (28.1%) of grade-II, 47 patients (41.2%) of grade-III and 17 patients (14.9%) of grade-IV. Low serum zinc levels in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy was found in 82 patients (71.9%). Conclusion: In conclusion, the lower level of serum zinc level in patients of liver cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy identified. Therefore, a routine biochemical assessment of zincstatus in patients with liver cirrhosis is an important step in the management protocol andto reduce progression of the disease.