Prognostic Value of the Magnesium Depletion Score for Mortality Outcomes Among NAFLD Patients

The magnesium depletion score (MDS), a novel clinical score, incorporates alcohol consumption, kidney disease, use of diuretics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to assess magnesium levels. However, the prognostic significance of the MDS individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains uncertain. This research aimed to explore the relationship between the MDS and mortality outcomes in NAFLD patients, including all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Data acquired on 16,394 NAFLD patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018 were analyzed in this cohort study. Mortality outcomes were assessed using the linked National Death Index, which included all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and CVD mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality outcomes related to the MDS. Subgroup analyses were also performed to explore the potential modifying influences of different demographic and clinical characteristics.

An elevated MDS was associated with significantly higher risks of all-cause mortality (HR 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15-1.30), cancer mortality (HR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.28), and CVD mortality (HR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.18-1.51). While these associations remained consistent in many subgroups, factors such as gender, education level, and alcohol consumption influenced the link between the MDS and mortality.

The MDS is as an innovative and feasible prognostic indicator for mortality among NAFLD patients. Incorporating the MDS into clinical practice could improve risk stratification and inform targeted interventions aimed at diminishing the risk of mortality linked to magnesium deficiency within this group.