Frequency and outcome of hypomagnesamia in children admitted in PICU of National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of hypomagnesamia (HM) in children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and its association with outcomes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The PICU of National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi, Pakistan. Period: October 2024 to March 2025. Methods: A total of 194 children between 1 month and 12 years admitted to the PICU were analyzed. Serum magnesium levels < 1.5 mg/dL were labeled as HM. Outcomes were recorded in the form of children requiring mechanical ventilation, duration of PICU stay, and discharged or mortality. Data analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS Statistics, Version 26.0. Chi-square test, or independent sample test (as appropriate) were applied to see the impact of effect modifiers on HM. For all statistical tests, p<0.05 as significant. Results: In a total of 194 children, 160 (54.6%) were female, and the mean age was 5.83±3.45 years. HM was identified in 91 (46.9%) children. HM was having significant association with sepsis (44.0% vs. 17.5%, p=0.032), severe acute malnutrition (40.7% vs. 29.1%, p<0.001), and hypocalcemia (33.0% vs. 16.5%, p=0.008). The mean duration of mechanical ventilation (p=0.025), and PICU stay (p=0.019) were significantly higher in children with HM. HM was significantly associated with mortality (14.3% vs. 2.9%, p=0.004). Conclusion: HM is a frequent electrolyte disturbance in PICU, linked with sepsis, and malnutrition. HM is associated with greater need for mechanical ventilation, prolonged PICU stay, and increased mortality.