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Serum and urinary copper in acute hepatic encephalopathy
V Singh1, S K Bhattacharya, S Sunder
1Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad.
Summary
Serum and urinary copper levels are significantly elevated in patients with acute viral hepatitis. These copper level changes were not significantly different in patients with or without encephalopathy.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Acute viral hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by viruses.
- Copper metabolism plays a role in liver function.
- Encephalopathy can be a complication of severe liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum and urinary copper levels in patients with acute viral hepatitis.
- To compare copper levels between patients with and without encephalopathy.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for copper estimation.
- Serum and 24-hour urine samples were collected from 71 patients.
- Thirty healthy individuals served as controls.
Main Results:
- Serum copper levels were significantly increased in acute viral hepatitis patients (164.85 +/- 29.31 micrograms/dl).
- Urinary copper levels were also significantly elevated (123.54 +/- 7.87 micrograms/24 h).
- No significant difference in copper levels was observed between patients with and without encephalopathy.
Conclusions:
- Acute viral hepatitis is associated with altered copper metabolism.
- Copper levels do not appear to be a reliable indicator for encephalopathy in acute viral hepatitis.