Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Hypomagnesemia can potentially cause fatal complications including ventricular arrhythmia, coronary artery spasm and sudden death. It also associates with increased mortality and prolonged hospitalization. The present study aimed to assess the incidence of magnesium (Mg) disturbances in patients admitted to a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) and correlated serum magnesium levels with clinical outcomes. The study was conducted on 100 critically ill patients aged above 18 years and admitted in sree mookambika institute of medical sciences at emergency medicine department. Serum magnesium levels at admission were correlated with mortality, need for and duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU stay, presence of comorbid conditions and electrolyte disturbances. There was a high incidence of Mg disturbances [hypomagnesemia (41%) and hypermagnesemia (14%)] at admission among patients admitted to the ICU with mean Mg level among patients who expired was 1.55±0.68 mg/dL and the association with outcome was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Hypomagnesemia (HypoMg) was significantly associated with higher mortality (51%) and need for mechanical ventilation (P<0.05) The association of baseline APACHE II and SOFA scores with serum Mg levels was statistically significant (p=0.001 and 0.002 respectively). The incidence of gastrointestinal disorders was significantly higher among hypomagnesemia patients while chronic kidney disease was significantly higher in hypermagnesemic patients (P<0.05) On comparing the incidence of electrolyte disorders between HypoMg, NormoMg and HyperMg groups, it was found that hypokalemia and hypocalcemia (p=0.0003 and 0.039 respectively) were associated with hypomagnesemia and hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia (p=0.001 and 0.005 respectively) were associated with hypermagnesemia. Our study highlights the role of Mg monitoring in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU and its value for a favorable outcome. We found that hypomagnesemia was significantly associated with adverse outcomes and higher mortality in critically ill patients. Intensivists should maintain a high index of suspicion for Mg disturbances and evaluate patients appropriately.
How to cite this article:
V. Ravi Shankar and S. Ramachandradurai. A Study on Serum Magnesium Levels in Critically ILL Patients in a Stertiary Care Hospital.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjms.2025.3.164.170
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/makrjms.2025.3.164.170