Role of hypomagnesaemia in acute kidney injury

Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common problem with various causes and consequences like electrolyte disturbances in the form of hypocalcaemia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia depending on the phase. Serum magnesium concentration of <1.5 meq/L is defined as hypomagnesaemia and is one of the common electrolyte abnormality. Serum magnesium levels are not routinely done in AKI cases. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the role of hypomagnesaemia as a risk factor for non recovery of AKI. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2014 and August 2015 with a sample of 100 patients. The decrease in magnesium <1.5 meq/L was defined as hypomagnesaemia. AKI was defined as per KDIGO criteria. Day 1, day 3 and day 6 magnesium levels were measured. Results: Prevalence of hypomagnesaemia was 69%, 43% and 27% on day 1, day 3 and day 6 respectively. It was observed that hypomagnesaemia on day 1 was significantly associated with recovery of AKI (p=0.004). Conclusion: Prevalence of hypomagnesaemia was significantly higher in AKI patients and hypomagnesaemia on day 1 was associated with recovery. However, magnesium levels on day 3 and day 6 had no significant correlation with the renal function in AKI.