Serum Zinc Levels and Associated Factors in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary-Level Hospital
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Abstract
Background: Liver cirrhosis is a major global health problem, often accompanied by micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc, which is essential for hepatic metabolism, immune function, and ammonia detoxification. Data on serum zinc levels and associated factors in Bangladeshi patients are limited. This study aimed to assess zinc status and its clinical associations in cirrhotic patients at a tertiary hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from July 2024 to June 2025 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Fifty-five patients aged 18–70 years with clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis were enrolled. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and serum zinc levels were measured from blood samples using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.
Results: Of the 55 participants, 67% were male, with a mean age of 46 ± 12 years. Compensated and decompensated cirrhosis were nearly equally represented (49.1% vs. 50.9%). HBV was the predominant etiology (75%), with HCV accounting for 25%. Decompensated patients had higher prevalence of diabetes (71% vs. 37%), hypertension (82% vs. 56%), and chronic kidney disease (89% vs. 33%), whereas ischemic heart disease was similar across groups. Serum zinc levels were significantly lower in decompensated patients (0.41 ± 0.14 mg/L) than compensated patients (0.64 ± 0.20 mg/L). Overall, 65% of patients were zinc deficient, and deficiency was significantly associated with hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Conclusion: Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent in cirrhosis and correlates with disease severity and comorbidities. Monitoring and correcting zinc levels may provide prognostic information and guide therapeutic strategies, particularly in decompensated cirrhosis.