Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness
Published on: May 2, 2017
Magnesium status and magnesium therapy in critically ill patients: A systematic review
Jessica Fairley1, Neil John Glassford2, Ling Zhang3
1Alfred Hospital, Prahran, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahran, VIC, Australia.
Purpose:
Magnesium is frequently measured and administered in general intensive care unit patients. However, magnesium status, its association with outcomes, and therapeutic utility in such patients are unclear. We performed a systematic review of the relevant literature to define current knowledge in this field.
Materials And Methods:
We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE from 1975 to July 2014 for adult English language articles excluding obstetric, non-intensive care unit based, and specific population (poisoning, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery) studies. We identified articles on magnesium measurement, associations, and therapy. We calculated pooled effect estimates from reported adjusted risk estimates.
Results:
We identified 34 relevant studies. Total serum total magnesium was the most commonly measure of magnesium status. Risk of mortality was significantly increased with hypomagnesemia (odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.60). No consistent associations existed between magnesemia or magnesium administration and any other outcomes.
Conclusions:
Total serum magnesium levels are generally used to estimate magnesium status in critical illness. Hypomagnesemia appears associated with greater risk of mortality, but the efficacy of magnesium administration is open to challenge.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Myocarditis III: Medical Management

