The APACHE II score and mortality in relation to hypocalcaemia in critically ill patients

Background: Electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Hypocalcaemia is one of the most common electrolyte deficiencies found in these patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 110 critically ill patients who were admitted to the ICU (71 males and 39 females). The patients were classified into two groups, group I (patients expired) and group II (patients completely recovered). We further subclassified the patients, based on the APACHE II score into three groups as group A (APACHE II score <15), group B (APACHE II score 15-25) and group C (APACHE II score >25). The serum calcium, magnesium and albumin levels were determined by using a clinical chemistry auto analyzer. Corrected calcium was calculated by using formula. Type of study: Prospective/Retrospective Results: There was a significant decrease in the calcium and the corrected calcium levels in the group I patients as compared to those in group II (p<0.05). There was significant hypocalcaemia in the group C patients as compared to the group A and group B patients (p<0.01). The calcium levels correlated negatively with the APACHE II score. Conclusions: There is a direct correlation between hypocalcaemia and mortality in the critically ill patients. Hypocalcaemia and the APACHE II score were negatively correlated.