To Study the Serum Magnesium Levels in Subjects Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and its Correlation with In-Hospital Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Magnesium is an essential intracellular cation involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions and plays a vital role in neuromuscular function, cardiac rhythm, and electrolyte homeostasis. Hypomagnesemia is frequently encountered in critically ill patients but often remains underdiagnosed, despite its potential impact on patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate serum magnesium levels in ICU patients and determine their association with in-hospital outcomes.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the mixed medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute from January to December 2024. A total of 116 adult patients admitted to the ICU were included. Serum magnesium levels were measured at admission, and patients were categorized into hypomagnesemia (<1.5 mEq/L), normomagnesemia (1.5–2.3 mEq/L), and hypermagnesemia (>2.3 mEq/L) groups. Clinical outcomes assessed included ICU mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with adjustment for confounding variables such as APACHE II score and associated comorbidities.

Results: Hypomagnesemia was identified in 60% of the study population at ICU admission. Patients with low serum magnesium levels had significantly higher mortality rates, longer durations of mechanical ventilation, and prolonged ICU stays compared with those having normal magnesium levels. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that hypomagnesemia was an independent predictor of adverse in-hospital outcomes.

Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia is a common electrolyte abnormality among critically ill patients and is significantly associated with poor in-hospital outcomes, including increased mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and extended ICU stay. Routine monitoring and timely correction of serum magnesium levels may improve prognosis and should be considered an integral component of ICU patient management.