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.