Abstract

Magnesium is the fourth most common essential element in the whole body. Magnesium, which is mainly stored in bone tissue, is necessary for proper function of neuroendocrine pathways. Hypomagnesemia is common in patients in intensive care unit due to feeding disorders, malnutrition, secondary chronic disorders and drug use. Although there are various studies in adults regarding the effect of hypomagnesemia on the prognosis of patients in intensive care unit, there is not enough study and proof in children. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the impact of initial serum magnesium levels on the outcome of patients in pediatric intensive care unit and raise awareness. The records of patients, who were hospitalized in pediatric intensive care unit between October 2016 and February 2018, were investigated retrospectively. According to serum magnesium levels, patients were divided into two groups, as magnesium levels <1.8mg/dl and >1.8mg/dl. The demographic findings and the prognostic factors were compared between two groups. Totally 302 patients’ records were evaluated. Totally 50 patients (16.6%) had magnesium levels <1.8 mg/dl. There was a statistically significant relationship between hypomagnesemia and inotropic drug use, blood component transfusion, plasma exchange, acute kidney injury, continuous renal replacement therapy, concomitant infection at admission, PRISM-III score and sepsis. The platelet and lymphocyte numbers were significantly low and C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels were significantly high in the group having hypomagnesemia. In conclusion, hypomagnesemia should be considered as a risk factor in prognosis of patients in pediatric intensive care unit.

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