Sumit Kamble1, Hetal Patel2, Smita Trivedi3
BACKGROUND
Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation and the fourth most common cation in the body. The effect of magnesium on important biological processes such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, nucleotide metabolism, protein biosynthesis signifies the importance of magnesium in cellular metabolism. Magnesium plays a role in numerous enzymatic processes in the body and has direct role in activation of enzymes such as phosphofructokinase, creatine kinase, acetylate cyclase and sodium potassium ATPase. The aim of the study is to1. Study serum magnesium level in critically-ill patient. 2. Correlate serum magnesium level with patient outcomes. 3. Identify primary medical conditions and the factors predisposing or contributing to abnormalities of serum magnesium.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study of 100 cases admitted over a period of 2 years, i.e. between 2010 to 2012 in MICU at SSG Hospital, Vadodara. The patient admitted for critical illness in ICU was included in study. The patients who received magnesium before admission to MICU were excluded from study. A blood sample was collected for estimation of serum total magnesium level on admission to MICU. History and clinical finding were noted for each patient, other haematological, biochemical and radiological investigations were performed as indicated in every patient.
RESULTS
66% were male and 34% were female patients. Hypomagnesaemia was found in 52%, normal level in 41% and hypomagnesaemia in 7%. Present study shows mortality and sepsis were statistically significant findings in study population, i.e. in patients with hypomagnesaemia (p<0.05). Statistically significant correlation was found with hypocalcaemia and hypoalbuminaemia in study populations (p<0.05). However, hypomagnesaemia doesn’t show significant association with duration of MICU stay, need of ventilator.
CONCLUSION
Hypomagnesaemia is a one of electrolyte imbalance in the critically-ill patients. Hypomagnesaemia is associated with higher mortality rate in critically-ill patients as Mg plays important role in homeostasis. Morbidity and mortality in critically-ill patient has relation with low Mg level. However, potential benefits of Mg supplementation to prevent or correct hypomagnesaemia in critically-ill patients require further study.
