Evaluating the trace elements in preoperative and postoperative duration of hydatid surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Trace Element Metabolism
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
• CE can affect various organs, primarily the liver, leading to potential metabolic disturbances.
• Alterations in serum trace element levels in CE patients are not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preoperative and postoperative serum levels of zinc, magnesium, and copper in patients with cystic echinococcosis.
• To compare these levels with a healthy control group.
• To assess the impact of surgical intervention on these trace element levels.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 85 CE patients and 40 healthy controls were analyzed.
• Measurements of zinc, magnesium, and copper were taken preoperatively and one year postoperatively in CE patients.
• Statistical comparison between patient groups and controls was performed.

Main Results:

• Preoperatively, CE patients exhibited lower serum zinc and magnesium levels and higher copper levels compared to controls.
• A correlation was observed between symptom duration and altered trace element levels (decreased zinc/magnesium, increased copper).
• One year after surgery, serum levels of these elements in CE patients normalized to levels comparable with the control group.

Conclusions:

• The parasite in cystic echinococcosis may increase the consumption of zinc and magnesium while increasing copper secretion.
• These findings suggest that serum trace element analysis could be a valuable tool for monitoring CE patients post-surgery.
• Evaluating trace element levels may complement radiological and serological methods in the follow-up of hydatid disease.