Hypomagnesemia is a Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Acutely Ill, Hospitalized Elderly Patients. A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 6,428 Patients.

Background. Hypomagnesemia, known to be associated with physiologic stress and states of inflammation, is also known to be common in acutely ill, hospitalized patients. The potential association between hypomagnesemia and increased risk for VTE (venous thromboembolism) is not well established. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of acutely ill, hospitalized elderly patients in a tertiary medical center. Results. A cohort of 6,428 elderly hospitalized patients (57.8% males, median age 77 years (IQR 71 - 84)) included 3,007 (46.8%) with hypomagnesemia (Mg < 1.8 mg/dL). Amongst the hypomagnesemia group of patients, the median age was 76 (IQR 70 – 82). There was no significant difference in the rates of background thrombophilia between both study groups (0.4% vs. 0.3%; p = 0.47). Background malignancy more common in the hypomagnesemia group (6.7% vs. 4.3%; p < 0.001). Usage of proton pump inhibitors was more prevalent in the hypomagnesemia group (49.9% vs. 43%; p < 0.001). The occurrence of VTE by 30 days of admission was significantly higher amongst patients with hypomagnesemia (3% vs. 2.1%, OR = 1.45 CI95% 1.06 – 1.99; p = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis, controlling for age, gender, background malignancy, chronic kidney disease and thrombophilia, hypomagnesemia was still, independently associated with increased occurrence of 30-days VTE [OR = 1.42, CI95% 1.04 – 1.96; P = 0.029]. Conclusions. Amongst hospitalized, acutely ill, elderly patients, hypomagnesemia is independently associated with an increased risk of VTE.