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Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
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Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Published on: June 18, 2020

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DIVALENT CATIONS PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND VARICEAL BLEEDING

Mihaela Dumea, Diana Carmen Cimpoesu, M Nechifor

    Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
    |January 23, 2016
    PubMed

    Insights

    Liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding are linked to significant imbalances in serum magnesium, zinc, and copper levels. These essential mineral changes highlight potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets in liver disease management.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Hepatology
    • Clinical Chemistry

    Background:

    • Liver cirrhosis is a severe condition with complications like variceal bleeding.
    • Divalent cations (magnesium, zinc, copper) play crucial roles in various physiological processes.
    • Understanding mineral imbalances in liver disease is vital for patient management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate serum levels of magnesium, zinc, and copper in patients with liver cirrhosis.
    • To assess the association of these divalent cations with variceal bleeding, a major complication of cirrhosis.

    Main Methods:

    • A prospective case-control study was conducted.
    • Included 60 patients with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding, and 35 healthy controls.
    • Serum concentrations of magnesium, zinc, and copper were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

    Main Results:

    • Significantly lower serum magnesium levels were observed in cirrhotic patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
    • Serum zinc concentrations were also decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding (p < 0.001).
    • Serum copper levels were elevated in these patients and correlated with serum albumin (p < 0.001).

    Conclusions:

    • Variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis patients is associated with significant alterations in magnesium, zinc, and copper serum concentrations.
    • These findings suggest important mineral imbalances in advanced liver disease and its complications.
    Abstract

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