Serum magnesium and zinc level in patients with chronic renal failure

Abstract

Background: To assess serum zinc and magnesium level in patients with chronic renal failure. Methodology: Forty- five chronic renal failure patients of both genders were selected. Group I (45) had CRF patients undergoing hemodialysis and group II (45) had age matched control subjects. 5 ml of venous blood was obtained under aseptic conditions. Serum samples were separated and analysed using atomic absorption technique. Results: Group I had 25 males and 20 females and group II had 22 males and 23 females. The mean magnesium level before dialysis in group I was 2.78 g/L and after treatment was 1.94 g/L. In group II, the mean magnesium level before dialysis was 2.04 g/L and after treatment was 1.90 g/L. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean zinc level before dialysis in group I was 276.2 g/L and after was 172.4 g/L. In group II, the mean zinc level before dialysis was 294.2 g/L and after was 214.6 g/L. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The level of zinc and magnesium in patients with chronic renal failure falls after dialysis. It may be beneficial to assess serum zinc and magnesium levels in CKD patients.