Introduction:
Deficiency of magnesium is common and ignored in critically ill patients. Hypomagnesemia is associated with risk of electrolyte imbalance, difficulty weaning off ventilator, sudden cardiac death and poor outcome. Hence this study was undertaken to determine the usefulness of admission serum magnesium levels with regards to patient outcome and relationship with other electrolyte disturbances.
Objective: To assess prevalence of magnesium deficiency in critically ill patients admitted to Medical Intensive Care Unit and its association with ICU stay, requirement & duration of mechanical ventilation, APACHE-II & mortality.
Methods:
Single centre, prospective study conducted on 200 critically ill patients admitted in Medical Intensive Care Unit, in a tertiary care centre in South India. Data obtained was analyzed using chi square test, paired and unpaired t tests.
Results:
Of 200 patients, 92 (46%) had hypomagnesemia. The patients with hypomagnesemia had higher APACHE II scores, longer ICU stay, and increased requirement for mechanical ventilation. Duration of mechanical ventilation was also longer in the patients with hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia was associated with higher incidence of hypokalemia, hypocalcemia and hypoalbuminemia. Hospital mortality was significantly higher in the patients with hypomagnesemia.
Conclusions:
Hypomagnesemia is associated with worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality in critically ill patients. It is also associated to other electrolyte disturbances, highlighting the importance of monitoring and correcting magnesium levels in critically ill patients.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.