Low Magnesium, High NLR: “Biomarkers Of A Storm In COPD Exacerbations"

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory condition that significantly impacts global health. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are critical events that accelerate disease progression, increase mortality risk, and impose a substantial healthcare burden, especially in the elderly. Identifying reliable and cost-effective markers to assess the severity of AECOPD is essential for guiding clinical decision-making. This study evaluates the relationship between serum magnesium (Sr Mg2+) levels and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as potential prognostic markers in elderly patients with AECOPD. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 100 elderly patients admitted with AECOPD at a tertiary care hospital. Blood samples were analyzed for Sr Mg2+ and NLR levels, and data on demographics, clinical outcomes, ICU admissions, and readmissions were collected. Statistical correlations were established between the biomarkers and clinical parameters. The study found that the mean age of participants was 69.91±3.59 years, with 91% being male and 91% smokers. Hypomagnesemia (<1.6 mg/dL) was prevalent and correlated significantly with elevated NLR (r=−0.300, p=0.002), which is a marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated NLR levels were associated with increased ICU admissions (58%) and higher readmission rates within one month (21%). The findings suggest that Sr Mg2+ and NLR are valuable prognostic tools for assessing disease severity in elderly patients with AECOPD. Both markers are cost-effective and easily accessible, making them suitable for routine use in resource-limited settings. Further research is warranted to validate these biomarkers in diverse populations and incorporate them into clinical guidelines.