Effect of hemodialysis and Kt/V index on the serum concentration of zinc of uremic patients

Zinc is an essential element for many proteins. Earlier studies have shown that chronic hemodialysis produces either normal or low serum zinc levels while the efficiency of supplementary zinc uptake is doubtful. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hemodialysis and Kt/V index on serum concentration of zinc of chronic hemodialysis patients. In this study, 36 patients undergoing hemodialysis (23 male, 13 female) with a minimum treatment period of three months, were compared with a group of 29 normal subjects. In the first group, blood samples were collected at the beginning, 2 hours after and at the end of hemodialysis. Zinc concentration was determined in serum by flameless atomic absorption photometry and the Kt/V by a standard formula. The results showed that zinc serum concentration in the group of patients was significantly lower compared to control (p < 0.001). At the end of hemodialysis, zinc levels increased at about 12% due to hemoconcentration. A significant positive correlation was found between zinc concentration and the Kt/V of patients (p < 0.05). It was concluded that uremic patients have low serum levels of zinc compared to normal controls. Hemodialysis produces an increase of zinc concentration which seems to be related to the adequacy of the procedure.