Magnesium as a Prognostic Factor in Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Magnesium (Mg) is a vital element which plays a significant role in the human body. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the most common problems in preterm neonates. The current study aimed to investigate the role of serum Mg level as a prognostic factor in neonates diagnosed with RDS.
This case-control study was performed in Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran, Iran, for two years. A total of 100 preterm infants (50 cases, 50 controls) admitted to NICU were enrolled in this study. Demographic data, serum magnesium level, therapeutic interventions, and neonatal outcomes were investigated and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Of 100 neonates, 52% were male. The mean gestational age and birth weights were 33.4 ± 2.4 weeks and 2062 ± 72 gr, respectively. The findings revealed that the mean serum magnesium level in neonates with RDS was 2.02 ± 0.57 mg/dl, while it was 2.35 ± 0.67 mg/dl for neonates in the control group (P-value=0.001). Additionally, the calculated odds ratio of 2.38 indicated a correlation between reduced serum Mg levels and the occurrence of RDS.
The serum level of Mg among neonates with RDS was significantly lower, but the lower level of Mg was not associated with adverse outcomes in neonates.