Study of serum magnesium levels in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations

Abstract

Introduction: When magnesium is deficient, the action of calcium is enhanced. In contrast, an excess of magnesium blocks calcium. These interactions are important to the respiratory patient because the intracellular influx of calcium causes bronchial smooth-muscle contraction. The possibility exists that magnesium deficiency contributes to pulmonary complications. Aim of this study to check whether acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with changes in serum magnesium levels. Methodology: 20 diagnosed with COPD- exacerbations and 20 with stable COPD were included in the study. The study was conducted for a period of 2 months to compare the serum magnesium levels in both groups. The samples were collected and the magnesium levels were evaluated by biochemical analysis. Results: At the end of the study 45% of the participants in the exacerbations group had serum magnesium less than 1.5 mg/dl whereas none of the participants of the stable group had magnesium values less than 1.5 mg/dl. This suggests a possible association between low serum magnesium levels and exacerbations of COPD. Conclusions: These findings indicate that pulmonary patients should be monitored routinely for magnesium deficiency. Keywords: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Magnesium; Pulmonary function test