Conclusion Oral zinc supplementation improved performance on the number connection test , but no evidence about other clinical or biochemical outcomes was available
Background and aim Because low serum zinc levels precipitate hepatic encephalopathy , zinc supplementation is considered a potential therapeutic option .
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of oral zinc supplementation in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy .
ORAL ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVES HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY: Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial
22 cirrhotic patients with chronic encephalopathy were given oral zinc supplementation or placebo in a double-blind r and omised trial . In the group which received zinc acetate 600 mg a day for 7 days , serum zinc had been restored to normal by day 8 . On day 8 hepatic encephalopathy , as assessed by a trailmaking test , was improved in the supplemented group but not in the placebo group . There was also a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen in the supplemented group . Short-term oral zinc supplementation probably improved hepatic encephalopathy by correcting the zinc deficiency that compromises conversion of ammonia to urea . The duration of this improvement requires further investigation
Conclusion Oral zinc supplementation improved performance on the number connection test , but no evidence about other clinical or biochemical outcomes was available
Background and aim Because low serum zinc levels precipitate hepatic encephalopathy , zinc supplementation is considered a potential therapeutic option .
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of oral zinc supplementation in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy .