Abstract :
The study aims to compare the serum zinc and copper levels in chronic hepatitis B and HBV induced
cirrhosis, and whether these parameters can be used as markers of conversion from chronic hepatitis to
cirrhosis, and if their supplementation would delay the course of the disease.
50 chronic hepatitis B and 80 HBV induced Cirrhosis patients were included in the study. Serum zinc and
copper levels were estimated in 1800 UV spectrophotometer.
Statistically significant decrease in serum zinc levels and a statistically significant increase in serum
copper levels were observed in cirrhosis when compared to chronic hepatitis B (P
serum zinc and increased serum copper levels indicate the conversion of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis.
Supplementation of zinc and reduction of copper intake will delay the progression of chronic hepatitis B to
cirrhosis and improve survival.
Keyword :
Chronic hepatitis B, Cirrhosis, Zinc, Copper.