Relationship between Plasma Levels of Zinc and Magnesium with the Treatment Process and Mortality Risk in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a major health problem all over the world which has caused extensive and worldwide mortality and morbidities along with vast economic and political impact. Limitations of our knowledge and controversies in treatment modalities make the control and management of this disease more difficult. The status of electrolytes especially Mg and Zn in plasma and its correlation with the clinical situation and criteria for recovery has been investigated in various studies. Limited data in Iran mandate the design of a trial for evaluating our critically ill patients. We designed this study to investigate the correlation between plasma levels of Mg and Zn and the outcome including patients' need for assisted/controlled ventilation, time required for weaning, length of ICU stay, and probable cause of death.

Materials and methods: 413 patients with severe respiratory signs of COVID-19 disease who were admitted to the ICUs of 3 medical centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were evaluated for plasma levels of Mg and Zn. Supplemental therapy was introduced when needed and was followed until discharge from ICU or death. All recorded data were analyzed by statistical methods and results were compared with similar studies.

Results: 20.6% and 35.1% of all participants had low serum levels of Mg and Zn, respectively. 11 patients (2.7%) died through the treatment period. 56.9% and 61.0% of participants received Mg and Zn supplements, respectively.

Conclusion: According to our results, serum Mg and Zn levels did not show a significant correlation with the risk of death due to severe COVID-19 disease, prolonged assisted ventilation, or duration of ICU stay. There was no significant association between Mg and Zn supplementation with the risk of death due to severe COVID-19; however, it showed an inverse relationship with the time required for assisted ventilation and the duration of ICU stay. It seems that Mg and Zn supplementation can be useful in preventing or managing some of the morbidities among COVID-19 patients.