Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate divalent cations serum levels (magnesium, zinc, copper) in liver cirrhossis and one of its major complication (variceal bleeding).
Material and methods: A prospective case-control study including 60 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with variceal bleeding admitted to the Emergency Department, and 35 subjects without liver cirrhosis which served as group control. Serum concentrations of zinc, copper and magnesium were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Results: The concentration of magnesium was significantly lower between patients with liver cirrhosis (11.6 ± 2.77mg/l) vs group control study (17.7 = 3.86 mg/l) (p < 0.001), regarding decreased magnesium levels and the presence of complications as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites (Child C class). Serum concentrations of zinc were decreased (0.77 ± 0.35 mg/l) compared to control group (p < 0.001) in patients with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding. Serum levels of copper were increased (1.69 ± 0.722 mg/l) compared to control group in patients with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding and are also correlated with serum albumin levels (p < 0.001, Pearson coefficient r-0.631).
Conclusions: Variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis is associated to important imbalances in blood concentrations of zinc, copper and magnesium.