SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Trends of Copper Testing in Adult Hosptalized Patients at Ummc

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This retrospective observational study examined trends in serum copper testing among adult hospitalized patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 2013 to 2020. Copper is an essential trace element involved in many biological processes, and abnormal levels are associated with disorders such as Menkes disease and Wilson disease. However, little is known about copper testing patterns in hospitalized adults.<br /><br />Using de-identified EPIC data, the authors identified 537 copper tests performed on 508 patients across 469 hospital encounters. Testing increased over time, with annual tests ranging from 29 in 2013 to 138 in 2019. The median age at testing was 54 years. Most patients were tested only once during an admission.<br /><br />Of the 534 reported results, 99 (18.43%) were at or below the lower cutoff of 0.75 mcg/mL, and 97 (18.06%) were above the upper limit of 1.45 mcg/mL. By sex, females had slightly more low and elevated results than males. By race, low copper levels were more common in Caucasians, while elevated levels were more common in African Americans.<br /><br />At the end of the study period, 380 of 508 unique patients were alive and 128 had died. Mortality was higher among patients with copper deficiency than among those with elevated copper.<br /><br />The authors conclude that nearly one in five copper tests in hospitalized adults showed deficiency, with a similar proportion showing elevation. Copper deficiency appeared more common in males and Caucasians. The study highlights a surprisingly high prevalence of abnormal copper levels in hospitalized patients and suggests further research is needed to determine which patients are deficient and whether copper deficiency contributes to worse outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Pradeep Bathina

Meta Tag

Author List Himmat S. Brar, Jannat Kang, Mary Hitt, Michael Temple, Patrick McDaniel, Pradeep Bathina

Category Research

Concept Copper

Concept Serum Copper Testing

Concept Copper Deficiency

Concept Hospitalized Adult Patient

Concept Low Serum Copper

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Mississippi Medical Center

Presenting Author Pradeep Bathina

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

serum copper testing

hospitalized adults

trace element deficiency

Wilson disease

Menkes disease

retrospective observational study

abnormal copper levels

copper deficiency

EPIC data

mortality outcomes

Copper

Serum Copper Testing

Copper Deficiency

Hospitalized Adult Patient

Low Serum Copper