SERUM HYPOMAGNESEMIA IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS IN MEDICAL ICU WITH AND WITHOUT DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Background: Hypomagnesemia is a common electrolyte disturbance in critically ill patients, often associated with poor outcomes. The impact of hypomagnesemia on mortality and its relationship with diabetes mellitus in ICU patients remains an area of clinical interest.
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in critically ill patients and assess its impact on patient outcomes, particularly in those with diabetes mellitus.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Medical ICU at Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, including 60 critically ill patients. Serum magnesium levels were measured on admission, and patients were classified into hypomagnesemia and normomagnesemia groups. The relationship between magnesium levels, diabetic status, and patient outcomes was analyzed using statistical methods.
Results: Among the 60 patients, 31.7% had hypomagnesemia, with a higher prevalence in diabetic patients (45.9%) compared to non-diabetics (8.7%). The mean serum magnesium level was 1.79 mg/dL. Hypomagnesemia was significantly associated with increased mortality (78.9%) compared to normomagnesemic patients (41.4%, p<0.05). A longer duration of diabetes was linked to lower magnesium levels.
Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia is a significant predictor of poor outcomes in critically ill patients, particularly those with diabetes mellitus. Regular monitoring and timely correction of magnesium levels may improve ICU patient prognosis.