Prognostic Value of Magnesium in COVID-19: Findings from the COMEPA Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Magnesium (Mg) is crucial in immune responses, but its role in COVID-19, especially long-term effects, remains unclear.
• Understanding Mg's impact on COVID-19 prognosis in older adults is vital for managing disease severity and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic significance of serum Mg levels in elderly patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
• To assess the association between serum Mg levels and in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and long COVID symptomatology.

Main Methods:

• Serum Mg levels were measured in 260 elderly COVID-19 patients (mean age 65).
• Participants were stratified based on a Youden index-derived Mg threshold (≤1.96 vs. >1.96 mg/dL).
• Statistical analyses included survival analysis (Cox regression) and logistic regression to evaluate predictors of mortality, length of stay, and long COVID.

Main Results:

• Serum Mg showed good accuracy in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUC=0.83).
• Low serum Mg (≤1.96 mg/dL) independently predicted in-hospital death (HR=1.29) and was linked to a longer hospital stay (15.2 vs. 12.7 days).
• Low Mg levels were associated with a higher incidence of long COVID symptoms (OR=2.14), notably post-traumatic stress disorder (OR=2.00).

Conclusions:

• Serum Mg levels are significant predictors of mortality, hospital length of stay, and the development of long COVID symptoms in older COVID-19 patients.
• Measuring serum Mg upon admission may aid in predicting COVID-19 complications and informing clinical management strategies.
• This study highlights the underappreciated role of magnesium in the pathophysiology and prognosis of COVID-19 in the elderly population.