An assessment of serum magnesium levels in critically ill patients: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: A specific magnesium level is essential to be maintained to ensure appropriate neuromuscular excitability and cardiac function; an increase or decrease in its levels usually leads to critical abnormality. Hypomagnesemia in critically ill patients has many potential ramifications and is found to be an important factor in hindering their recovery. Thus, the study aimed to assess the serum magnesium levels in critically ill participants and explore its effect on their condition. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted for 21 months, from February 2019 to October 2020, among all critically ill participants admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score questionnaire was used to determine the severity of their condition and blood samples were collected within 24 h of their ICU admission for analysis. RESULTS: One hundred participants were enrolled, of which 40% were between the age group of 46 and 65 years and 71% were males. Among all participants with hypomagnesemia, 52% were diabetic, 19% had a history of alcohol use disorder, and 27% had normal calcium and potassium levels. Hypomagnesemia significantly correlated with a longer duration of ICU stay among participants. CONCLUSION: A significant correlation was observed between hypomagnesemia and increased ICU length of stay and mortality but not the duration of mechanical ventilation. Monitoring and appropriate supplementation of serum magnesium is recommended to limit further comorbidity and mortality in the critical care setting.