Serum trace metal levels in patients with acute hepatitis B.
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
;
1996 Sep; 27(3): 476-80
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-36121
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine serum levels of trace metals in young adult patients in the early icteric phase of acute hepatitis B virus infection. There were 15 patients (10 males, 5 females) and 15 healthy volunteers (11 males, 4 females). The age distribution of both groups ranged from 15-40 years and were comparable [mean (SD) = 28(6) vs 31(7) years; p = 0.12]. Compared to the healthy controls, the patients had significantly decreased serum zinc but elevated serum copper levels [means (SD) of zinc = 118(22) vs 97(20) micrograms/dl, p = 0.012; and of copper = 82(15) vs 135(40) micrograms/dl, p < 0.001]. The overall serum levels of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the studied patients were within normal ranges. Serum zinc concentrations of these patients correlated with albumin (r = 0.69, p = 0.005) and their serum calcium correlated with alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.61, p = 0.015). These results demonstrate that alterations of zinc and copper metabolism occur early during the acute icteric phase of uncomplicated hepatitis. These changes may be of pathophysiological significance in acute hepatitis, in particular in patients with pre-existing zinc deficiency.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Trace Elements
/
Zinc
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Case-Control Studies
/
Acute Disease
/
Adult
/
Copper
/
Hepatitis B
Type of study:
Observational study
Language:
English
Journal:
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
Year:
1996
Type:
Article
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