Zinc Supplementation in Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Two-thirds of Americans consume alcohol, and an estimated 14 million Americans are alcoholics. It has been estimated that 15%-30% of heavy drinkers develop advanced Alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The prevalence of ALD in the United States is conservatively estimated at 2 million persons. Nearly 50% of liver-related deaths and 30% of hepatocellular carcinomas in the US are due to alcoholic cirrhosis. Despite recent advances in our understanding of ALD, there is currently no FDA approved medication for any stage of ALD. Zinc sulfate is inexpensive, available over the counter, and has an excellent safety profile. If zinc positively influences the mechanisms postulated to play a role in human ALD, this affordable treatment would become relevant to millions of people worldwide.

Inclusion criteria

• Ability to provide informed consent.
• Clinical diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis.
• Between the ages of 18 years and 70 years.
• Ability to attend all clinic visits and participate in monthly telephone calls.
• Child-Pugh score of A or B.

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy or intolerance to zinc sulfate.
• Hospitalization within the previous 28 days.
• Pregnancy.
• Illicit drug use within the past 12 months.
• Infection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.
• Known or suspected cancer within the past 5 years.
• Serum creatinine greater than 1.5 mg/dl within the past month.
• Any severe chronic disease other than liver disease.
• Impairment (slowness) of behavior, intelligence, and neuromuscular function which may indicate hepatic encephalopathy (slow or confused thinking due to your liver disease).
• Participation in another clinical trial.
• Any type of infection within the past month.