WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Naser Ali Abdul Hussain Alsabbagh and Ahmed Fadhil Alkafagi

ABSTRACT

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis are at heightened risk of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc, which plays a crucial role in immune function, tissue repair, and oxidative balance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of hemodialysis on serum zinc levels in ESRD patients in Karbala, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April to November 2024, involving 46 adult ESRD patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at Al-Hussain Medical City. Serum zinc levels were measured before and after a dialysis session. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, dietary intake of zinc-rich foods, and dialysis frequency were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study population consisted of 18 males (39.1%) and 28 females (60.9%), with a mean age of 57.04 ± 11.69 years. Post-dialysis zinc levels (92.89 ± 27.15 μg/dL) were slightly higher than pre-dialysis levels (90.33 ± 28.79 μg/dL), though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.502). A significant positive correlation was observed between serum zinc levels and the frequency of zinc-rich food consumption (p<0.001). Most patients had comorbid hypertension and/or diabetes, and 34 patients were either overweight or obese. Conclusion: Hemodialysis did not significantly alter acute serum zinc levels; however, zinc deficiency remains a common concern. Regular monitoring and individualized nutritional strategies, including dietary counseling and potential supplementation, are recommended to address zinc insufficiency and improve patient outcomes in this population.