Serum Magnesium Levels as a Risk Factor and Prognostic Factor in Acute Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Magnesium deficiency is a risk factor for hypertensive and diabetic vascular diseases. Magnesium has neuroprotective effects in cerebrovascular system. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate of the importance of serum magnesium evel as a stroke risk factor and prognostic factor in acute stoke patients. Material and Method:. 100 consecutive patients with acute stroke (54 women, 46 men) within 3 days and 72 controls included in the study. Controls consist of 72 subjects. Level of serum magnesium level was measured within three days of the onset of clinically diagnosed stroke. The illness and which could effect magnesium level were the exclusion criteria. Nature, size, localization of the lesions on CT were determined. Prognosis was evaluated with the 10-day mortality rate, Glasgow Cama Scale (GCS), Rankin Disability Scale and lesion size on the CT Routine biochemical and hematological tests were obtained. Relationship between serum magnesium level and age, characteristics of the lesion on the CT, and other risk factors were investigated. Results: 100 consecutive acute stroke patients (mean age: 64.38± 10.52) and 72 controls (mean age: 64.23±8.03 p=0.923) were not different for age. Serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in the patients than controls (p=0,014). There was no difference for the magnesium level between patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic lesions. Serum magnesium levels were significatly lower in the patients who died within 10 days of stroke onset (p=0.05). Lesion size on CT were significantly larger in the patients with low magnesium levels (<2 mmol/L) (P=0.024). Severity of upper extremity paresis degree was significant in this group (p=0.024). Rankin Disability scores were higher in the patients with low magnesium levels initially and in the 10th day (p= 0.001 and p= 0.016). There was significant negative correlation between magnesium level and lesion size (-.299 p=0.014).
Conclusion: As a conclusion low magnesiu level may be evaluated for risk reduction of stroke. And as a treatable prognostic factor in acute stroke.