Serum zinc levels and the prevalence of zinc deficiency in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Objective: To measure the serum zinc levels in liver cirrhosis patients and determine the frequency of zinc deficiency in Pakistani population. Methodology: In this study, a total of 220 patients with liver cirrhosis were recruited. Serum zinc level was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 20.0. Results: Out of 220 patients, there were 112 males (50.9%) and 108 females (49.1%). Mean age was 55.1±11.1 years. Patients according to Child Pugh classification, 62(28.2%) were in class A, 85 (38.6%) in class B and 73 (33.2%) in class C. Zinc deficiency was found in 136(61.8%) patients. Conclusion: It is concluded that serum zinc concentration was low in 61.8% patients of liver cirrhosis.