Association of Low Serum Zinc Level with Multiple Viral Warts

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of low serum zinc levels with multiple viral warts.
Methods: Comparative case control study was conducted from 28th February 2011 to 28th
August 2011 in Department of Dermatology, Services Hospital, Lahore. 110 cases; 55 in each
group calculated with 80% power of test, 5% level of significance and taking expected percentage
of low serum zinc level i.e. 56% in patients presenting with warts, 32% in control group. Serum
zinc analysis was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry.
Results: Age of patients as well as of controls ranged from12- 65 years with a mean of 30.02 +
10.04 years. Serum zinc level was low in 33(60%) patients and 19 (34.5%) controls. Among the
patients, serum zinc level ranged from 680 - 1020 microgram/ litre with a mean of 812.33 +
105.57, whereas level ranged from 687-1020 microgram/ litre with a mean of 848.96 + 113.68
among controls. Odds ratio was 2.84.
Conclusion: As the Odds ratio is 2.84 (>2) it concludes that there is an association between the
low serum zinc level and multiple viral warts. So, low serum zinc level is a risk factor of the multiple
viral warts