Is Intra-Cellular Magnesium Concentration Correlate with Morbidity and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hypomagnesemia is a common electrolyte disturbance among critically ill patient which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this study, correlations between serum and intra-cellular magnesium concentrations at the time of intensive care unit (ICU) admission with ICU complications and mortality were evaluated. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 70 consecutive adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary referral teaching hospital during a six-month period. Serum and intra-cellular magnesium levels were measured on admission. Clinical information, morbidity, and mortality were followed and recorded during ICU stay until discharge or death. Results: On admission, 37.14% of patients suffered hypomagnesemia. Low intra-cellular magnesium level was observed in 44.28% of patients. Cardiovascular complications and mortality were significantly higher in patients with lower serum and intra-cellular magnesium levels when compared to patients with normal levels (P 0.05). There was a significant correlation between serum magnesium level on ICU admission and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score (r = ˗0.39, P 0.001). Conclusion: Particular attention should be reserved to possible prognostic and therapeutic consequences of magnesium depletion in critically ill patients. Magnesium deficiency was associated with a higher APACHE II score on admission, higher cardiovascular complications, and increased mortality.