ABSTRACT
The objective was to study COPD exacerbation and its relation with serum Magnesium (Mg 2+ ). The study included 50 patients of COPD with acute exacerbation, as defined by Anthonisens criterion. As per Anthonisens criterion, 62% of patients were in Anthonisens I, 32% in II and only 6% in III. As per GOLD criterion for staging of COPD, 34% patients were in Stage I, 50% in Stage II and 16 % in stage III. 17 patients (34%) had Hypomagnesemia 33(66%) were having normomagnesemia. 88% of patients with hypomagnesemia were in stage II and III as compared to 54.6% patients with normomagnesemia. The patients with hypomagnesemia had a longer duration of COPD (6.94±3 years) and longer duration of exacerbation of symptoms (>8 days). Three patients (17.64%) with Hypomagnesemia required Mechanical Ventilation. 64% patients with hypomagnesemia had hospital stay longer than 7 days as compared to 57.57% in patients with normomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia is a common finding in acute exacerbation of COPD and is frequently encountered in patients who present late to the Hospital. In addition these patients usually have advanced disease stage, prolonged hospital stay and need mechanical ventilation more often.