Estimation of serum magnesium levels in stable and acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and its correlation with disease severity. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO?) is widely used in managing acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma, especially in

refractory cases. However, hypomagnesemia remains an under recognized electrolyte abnormality, often

overlooked in routine asthma care. This study aims to assess serum magnesium levels in patients with bronchial

asthma—both in stable condition and during acute exacerbations—and to explore its correlation with asthma

severity.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care center in Thrissur, Kerala, with a total of 80 participants.

Patients were divided into two main groups: Group A (Stable Asthma): Subdivided into well-controlled, partially

controlled, and uncontrolled asthma based on the GINA symptom assessment. Group B (Acute Exacerbation):

Further classified into mild to moderate and severe asthma based on clinical assessment. Serum magnesium levels

were measured at the time of presentation for all patients.

Results

The findings showed a statistically significant reduction in mean serum magnesium levels among patients with

acute exacerbations (1.71 ± 0.16 mg/dL). Among those with stable asthma, patients with uncontrolled asthma had

lower magnesium levels (1.85 ± 0.16 mg/dL) compared to those with partially controlled (2.06 ± 0.14 mg/dL) and

well-controlled asthma (2.08 ± 0.14 mg/dL).

Conclusion

Serum magnesium levels were notably lower in asthmatic patients with higher disease severity. These findings

suggest that monitoring and correcting magnesium deficiency could potentially improve asthma control and

reduce exacerbations.