European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: Hypomagnesemia has been cited as a predictor of exacerbations in bronchial
asthma, but is underexplored in COPD. Hence the current research was done to define
the effect of magnesium levels on the incidence of COPD exacerbations and its outcome.
Material and methods: The present prospective observational hospital-based study was
conducted in the department of pulmonary medicine at TMMC and RC, Moradabad
for one and half years among patients with COPD diagnosed on spirometry. On
enrolment into the trial and 20 minutes after the delivery of salbutamol nebulization,
spirometry was done in stable COPD patients. Samples were obtained for the estimation
of serum Magnesium levels of the patients at the time of exacerbations and patients in
the stable COPD group. Results of serum magnesium levels were noted in both Group A
(stable COPD) and Group B (COPD with acute exacerbations) and the data was
analyzed.
Results:The number of COPD patients with acute exacerbations was 36.6% while stable
patients were 63.4%.Serum magnesium value among COPD patients with acute
exacerbations and COPD stable patients was 1.62±0.38 and 1.92±0.41 respectively with
a significant difference.Serum magnesium level showed a significant negative
correlation with spirometry severity
Conclusion: In a COPD patient, there was a strong link between serum magnesium
levels and the incidence of exacerbations. There was a strong negative association
between serum magnesium levels, spirometry severity, and dyspnea severity. This is a
controllable risk factor, and we urge that all subjects known for COPD have their
serum magnesium levels checked.