Serum zinc levels in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients: A retrospective observational study

Abstract

Background: Zinc is vital for cellular functions, but kidney failure increases zinc deficiency risk. We compared zinc levels in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study included 150 patients (75 PD and 75 HD). Serum zinc levels were assessed through photometry. Statistical analysis employed Chi-square, independent t-test, and correlation. Results: Serum zinc was below normal in both groups (P < 0.01). HD patients had lower zinc levels (70.85 +/- 7.68 mg/dL) compared to PD (75.04 +/- 13.55 mg/dL, P = 0.021), remaining significant after adjusting for confounders (P = 0.011). Conclusion: Zinc levels in PD and HD patients are lower than in the general population, with HD patients having lower levels than PD patients.