Objective: To study the significance of serum magnesium levels during COPD exacerbation and stability.Materials & Methods: The patient population consisted of all patients of COPD admitted as acute exacerbation as defined by the Anthonisens criteria, from June 2006 to may 2008. Same patients one month post discharge presenting to the OPD for routine check up as stable COPD served as controls. Results: A total number of 77 patients of COPD presenting as acute exacerbation were included in the study. The incidence of Hypomagnesaemia was 33.8% at admission; 5% at discharge and 4% at one month of post discharge in COPD patients. The mean serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in cases than controls (1.88±0.67mg/ dl V/S 2.3±0.36mg/dl; p<0.0001). Also, hypomagnesemia was present in higher number of cases (22/77, 33.8%) compared to controls, 3/75, 4.0%; (p<0.0001). Patients of COPD with acute exacerbation and hypomagnesemia, had longer duration of symptoms and had advanced stage III of COPD (p<0.001); and had raised mean corpuscle volume (p<0.045) and longer hospital stay (p<0.008).
Conclusion: We conclude COPD exacerbation is associated with hypomagnesemia. The duration of symptoms of more than 8 days, advanced stage of COPD (stage III) and raised MCV were associated with hypomagnesemia. We recommend to monitor serum magnesium levels in COPD patients with acute exacerbation at the time of admission and during their stay in the hospital.J Med Sci.2010;13(1);15-19
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