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The APACHE II Score and Mortality
in Relation to Hypocalcaemia
in Critically Ill Patients
708-710
Correspondence
Dr. Prakash Mungli MD.,
Department of biochemistry and genetics,
St Matthew’s University, School of Medicine,
P.O.BOX 30992, Regatta Office Park, Leeward Three,
Grand Cayman KY1-1204, CAYMAN ISLANDS, BWI.
Tel: +345 814 3187; E-mail: prakashmungli@yahoo.co.in
Background: Electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Hypocalcaemia is one of the most common electrolyte deficiencies found in these patients.
Methods: This study was conducted on 110 critically ill patients who were admitted to the ICU (71 males and 39 females). The patients were classified into two groups, group I (patients expired) and group II (patients completely recovered). We further subclassified the patients, based on the APACHE II score into three groups as group A (APACHE II score <15), group B (APACHE II score 15-25) and group C (APACHE II score >25). The serum calcium, magnesium and albumin levels were determined byusing a clinical chemistry auto analyzer. Corrected calcium was calculated by using formula.
Type of study: Prospective/Retrospective.
Results: There was a significant decrease in the calcium and the corrected calcium levels in the group I patients as compared to those in group II (p<0.05). There was significant hypocalcaemia in the group C patients as compared to the group A and group B patients (p<0.01). The calcium levels correlated negatively with the APACHE II score.
Conclusions: There is a direct correlation between hypocalcaemia and mortality in the critically ill patients. Hypocalcaemia and the APACHE II score were negatively correlated.