A cross-sectional observational study conducted in Jharkhand, India, revealed a significant correlation between serum zinc levels and the severity of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Lower serum zinc levels were associated with higher grades of encephalopathy and more advanced cirrhosis, suggesting zinc deficiency may serve as both a marker for disease progression and a potential therapeutic target. Patients with zinc deficiency were found to have higher mortality rates, and zinc level screening was recommended for all cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
1. Lower serum zinc levels were associated with higher grades of encephalopathy and more advanced cirrhosis. 2. Zinc deficiency may serve as a marker for disease progression and a potential therapeutic target. 3. Chronic alcoholism was identified as the leading cause of cirrhosis in the study. 4. Zinc level screening was recommended for all cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy. 5. The mortality rate in the study was 14% with higher mortality observed in patients with more severe grades of hepatic encephalopathy. 6. Patients with zinc deficiency had markedly lower mean serum zinc levels compared to survivors. 7. Clinical presentations varied widely, with abdominal distension, pedal edema, and icterus being the most common symptoms.
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