Publication:

Role of serum magnesium in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background This prospective study was done to assess the association between serum magnesium deficiency and its effect on exacerbation of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), and also to probably suggest a cut-off level which may be useful for predicting clinical outcomes and serving as a target value for therapeutic intervention.

Methods This study was conducted among 100 patients in a tertiary hospital, who were diagnosed with COPD, and their serum magnesium levels were measured when they presented to the hospital during routine check-up (stable) and during an exacerbation. Their PEFR and oxygen saturation were also measured to assess severity.

Results Out of 100 patients studied, 91 were males and 9 were females, of which 38 of them were aged 60 or below and 62 of them aged 61 and above.  The average serum magnesium levels of patients presenting during routine check-up was 2.08 mg/dl (below 60) and 2.06 mg/dl (above 61) as compared to values during an exacerbation which was 1.58 mg/dl (below 60) and 1.60 mg/dl (above 60) which was significant. Our study also determined a serum magnesium cut-off value averaging 1.65 mg/dl, which may be useful therapeutic target for intervention.

Conclusions Serum low serum magnesium levels has a definite association with exacerbations of COPD. Earlier therapeutic interventions may help in decreasing the episodes of exacerbation. A significant reduction of magnesium levels may correlate with severity of airway obstruction.