Understanding the Role of Serum Magnesium Level and its Influences on the Outcome in Patients with Sepsis in a Medical ICU

Abstract

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. About 2 million cases of sepsis occur annually in United States. The clinical features include signs of infection with organ dysfunction. Magnesium (Mg) is a vital cation for immune system in fighting against infection via inflammatory response and nitric oxide production. Studies have shown that hypomagnesemia is a potential risk factor of infections thereby resulting in sepsis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the serum magnesium level, its manifestation and outcome among sepsis patients. METHODS The study included 100 patients of sepsis admitted over a period of 18 months. Various data such as clinical history, examination, serum magnesium level and other necessary parameters of the patients included in the study were analysed using simple statistical methods. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 62.300 ± 11.4623 years. 63% were male and 37% female. Among study population, 39%, 46% and 15% patients were diagnosed as hypomagnesaemic, normomagnesaemic and hypermagnesaemic respectively. The mortality rate was 76%, 18% and 5% among hypomagnesaemic, normomagnesaemic and hypermagnesaemic patients respectively. Significantly greater mortality and high SOFA score were observed among hypomagnesaemic group. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of hypomagnesemia is common in sepsis patients. It is mandatory to monitor serum magnesium levels in sepsis patients in order to prevent the serious manifestations of hypomagnesemia thereby influencing the final outcome.