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La acidosis metabólica se ha convertido en un problema muy serio, tanto en las áreas críticas, como de medicina interna y emergencias, sobre todo por la innumerable cantidad de patologías que la presentan; que ha encaminado a muchos profesionales a usar el bicarbonato de Na (NaHCO3-), que definitivamente tiene un efecto en el ascenso del pH y el HCO3-, asociado a un sosiego inverosímil del profesional médico y probablemente a un escaso beneficio por parte de los pacientes; este estudio trata de explicar en forma concisa a la etiología de la acidosis metabólica y la real indicación de esta droga, que hasta el momento podría tener más perjuicios que beneficios.

Metabolic acidosis has become a very serious problem, both in critical areas, such as internal medicine and emergencies, especially due to the innumerable number of pathologies that present it; which has led many professionals to use Na bicarbonate (NaHCO3-), which definitely has an effect on the rise in pH and HCO3-, associated with an unlikely calmness of the medical professional and probably with little benefit on the part of the patients. patients; This study tries to concisely explain the etiology of metabolic acidosis and the real indication of this drug, which up to now could have more harm than good.

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RESUMEN Este artículo analiza ciertos aspectos evolutivos en el intercambio gaseoso, el desa rrollo pulmonar, la bomba respiratoria, el estado ácido-base y el control de la ventila ción en relación con un evento trascendente: el pasaje de la vida acuática a la terres tre. Su estudio puede permitir comprender ciertos aspectos con los que lidiamos en la práctica clínica: ¿Por qué las personas con debilidad muscular respiratoria extrema respiran como ranas (respiración frog)?, ¿Por qué los recién nacidos con dificultad respiratoria tienen aleteo nasal y quejido espiratorio?, ¿cómo es posible que los mús culos abdominales, típicamente espiratorios, asistan a la inspiración en casos de la parálisis diafragmática?, ¿por qué en la insuficiencia respiratoria el patrón respiratorio tiene menos variabilidad y se torna más rígido? y, por último, ¿es posible imaginar un pH neutro que no tenga el valor de 7,0, para qué sirve este conocimiento y como se deben interpretar los gases en hipotermia? La transición del agua a la tierra es una de las más importantes e inspiradoras de las grandes transiciones en la evolución de los vertebrados. Ante la sorprendente diversi dad de organismos vivos, es tentador imaginar una cantidad enorme de adaptaciones evolutivas para resolver los diferentes desafíos que cada especie tiene para la vida en la tierra. Hay desarrollos tempranos que comparten algunos factores cruciales y algunas de las redes genéticas regulatorias cercanas y lejanas están conservadas. Somos testigos de hallazgos clínicos que son el testimonio de especies que han vivido en épocas remotas y nos han legado su historia evolutiva.

ABSTRACT This article analyzes certain evolutionary aspects of gas exchange, lung development, the respiratory pump, the acid-base status and control of ventilation in relation to a significant event: the passing from aquatic to terrestrial life. By studying this, we can understand certain aspects that are present in the clinical practice: Why do people with extreme respiratory muscle weakness breathe as frogs? (frog breathing); why do newborns with breathing difficulties have nasal flaring and expiratory grunting?; how is it possible that abdominal muscles, which are typically expiratory, assist with inspira tion in cases of diaphragmatic paralysis?; why does the breathing pattern of respiratory failure has less variability and becomes more rigid? and, finally, is it possible to imagine a neutral pH that doesn't have the 7.0 value?; what's the use of this knowledge, and how should gases in hypothermia be interpreted? Water-to-land transition is one of the most important and inspiring major transitions of vertebrate evolution. Given the amazing diversity of living organisms, it is tempting to imagine an enormous amount of evolutionary adaptation processes to solve the different challenges of living on earth faced by each species. There are certain early development processes that share some crucial factors, and some of the close and distant gene regulatory networks are conserved. We are witnesses of clinical findings that serve as testimony of the species that lived in remote times and left us their evo lutionary history.

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Abstract Introduction: Metabolic acidosis is a frequent pathophysiological condition in critically ill patients. It can be assessed using different physiological variables, but their prognostic value has not yet been well established. Objective: To evaluate the association between the variables that allow assessing the metabolic component of acid-base balance (ABB) and 28-day mortality in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort study conducted in 122 patients admitted to an ICU between January and June 2013 and with a stay >24 hours. On admission to the ICU, blood samples were taken, and an arterial blood gas test was performed in order to calculate the following variables: anion gap (AG), corrected anion gap (AGc), standard base excess (BEst), metabolic H+, base excess-unmeasurable anions (BEua), arterial pH, arterial lactate, standard HCO3-st, and strong ion difference (SID). APACHE II and SOFA scores were also calculated. A bivariate analysis was performed in which ORs and their respective 95%CI were calculated, and then a multivariate analysis was conducted using a logistic regression model to identify the variables associated with 28-day mortality; a significance level of p<0.05 was considered. Results: Out of the 122 patients, 33 (27.05%) died at 28 days and 51 (48.80%) were women. Participants' mean age was 46.5 years (±15.7). The following variables were significantly associated with 28-day mortality in the bivariate analysis: SID (OR=1.150; p=0.008), BEua (OR=0.897; p=0.023), AG (OR=1.231; p=0.002), AGc (OR=1.232; p=0.003), blood pH (OR=0.001; p=0.023), APACHE II (OR=1.180; p=0.001), HCO3-st (OR=0.841; p=0.015). In the multivariate analysis, only the APACHE II score variable was significantly associated with 28-day mortality (OR=1.188; p=0.008). Conclusion: The physiological variables that allow assessing the metabolic component of ABB, both from the Henderson model and the Stewart model, were not significantly associated with 28-day mortality.

Resumen Introducción. La acidosis metabólica es una condición fisiopatológica frecuente en pacientes críticamente enfermos. Esta alteración es evaluada mediante diferentes variables fisiológicas; sin embargo, su valor pronóstico aún no está bien definido. Objetivo. Evaluar la asociación entre, por una parte, las variables del componente metabólico que permiten valorar el estado ácido base (EAB) y, por la otra, la mortalidad a 28 días en pacientes hospitalizados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de cohorte prospectivo realizado en 122 pacientes hospitalizados en una UCI entre enero y junio de 2013 y con una estancia mayor a 24 horas. Se tomaron muestras sanguíneas y gases arteriales de ingreso a UCI para el cálculo de las siguientes variables: anion gap (AG), anion gap corregido (AGc), base exceso estándar (BEst), H+ metabólicos, base exceso-aniones no medibles (BEua), pH arterial, lactato arterial, HCO3-st y brecha de iones fuertes (BIF). También se calcularon el puntaje APACHE II y el puntaje SOFA. Se realizó un análisis bivariado en el que se calcularon OR y sus respectivos IC95%, y luego uno multivariado, mediante un modelo de regresión logística, para identificar las variables asociadas con la mortalidad a 28 días; se consideró un nivel de significancia de p<0.05 Resultados. De los 122 pacientes, 33 (27.05%) fallecieron a 28 días y 51 (48.80%) eran mujeres. La edad promedio fue 46.5 años (±15.7). En el análisis bivariado, las siguientes variables se asociaron significativamente con la mortalidad a 28 días: BIF (OR=1.150; p=0.008), BEua (OR=0.897; p=0.023), AG (OR=1.231; p=0.002), AGc (OR=1.232; p=0.003), pH arterial (OR=0.001; p=0.023), APACHE II (OR=1.180;p=0.001), HCO3-st (OR=0.841;p=0.015). En el análisis multivariado, solo el puntaje APACHE II se asoció significativamente con la mortalidad a 28 días (OR=1.188; p=0.008). Conclusión. Las variables fisiológicas que permiten evaluar el componente metabólico del EAB, tanto las del modelo de Henderson, como las del modelo de Stewart, no se asociaron significativamente con la mortalidad a 28 días.

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ABSTRACT Purpose: Since the dietary acid load (PRAL) may affect the acid-base balance of the body, there is an increasing interest in its role in sports performance. Typical nutritional requirements of different sports, associated with its physiological demands, might be reflected in the acid load of their diet. Thus, the purpose of this study is to compare the dietary acid load between team, endurance, and strength athletes and to determine the associations between PRAL and hydration status. Methods: Fifty-one healthy recreational male athletes (age: 18-39 yrs) from team, endurance, and strength sports participated in the study. A 3-day food diary was recorded and dietary PRAL values (mEq/day) were calculated. Urine pH and specific gravity were measured. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used for data analysis. Results: PRAL in endurance athletes (25.34 mEq/day) was lower compared to team and strength athletes (46.12 and 46.47 mEq/day, respectively) (p= 0.023). Percentage of high PRAL diet (≥15 (mEq/day)) was highest in team sports (89.5%), followed by strength (83.3%) and endurance sports (60%). PRAL was not associated with hydration status. Conclusion: Typical nutritional requirements of sport disciplines are reflected in the PRAL, thus PRAL should be considered when preparing nutritional strategies to improve performance.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Dado que la carga ácida de la dieta (PRAL) puede afectar el equilibrio ácido-base del cuerpo, existe un interés creciente en su papel en el rendimiento deportivo. Los requerimientos nutricionales típicos de diferentes deportes, asociados con sus demandas fisiológicas, pueden reflejarse en la carga ácida de su dieta. Por lo tanto, el propósito de este estudio fue comparar la carga ácida de la dieta entre atletas de equipo, de resistencia y de fuerza, y determinar las asociaciones entre PRAL y el estado de hidratación. Métodos: Participaron en el estudio 51 atletas masculinos sanos (edad: 18-39 años) de deportes de equipo, de resistencia y de fuerza. Se registró un diario de alimentación de 3 días y se calcularon los valores de PRAL dietético (mEq/día). Se midieron el pH y la gravedad específica de la orina. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó ANOVA de una vía con análisis post-hoc de Bonferroni y coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r). Resultados: PRAL en los atletas de resistencia (25,34 mEq/día) fue menor en comparación con los atletas de equipo y de fuerza (46,12 y 46,47 mEq/día, respectivamente) (p= 0,023). El porcentaje de dieta alta en PRAL (≥15 mEq/día) fue más alto en los deportes de equipo (89,5%), seguido de los deportes de fuerza (83,3%) y de resistencia (60%). PRAL no se asoció con el estado de hidratación. Conclusión: Los requerimientos nutricionales típicos de las disciplinas deportivas se reflejan en el PRAL, por lo que se debe considerar el PRAL al preparar estrategias nutricionales para mejorar el rendimiento.

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This study aimed to evaluate the cardiorespiratory and hemogasometric effects of epidural ketamine and its associations with morphine and xylazine in ewes submitted to transcervical cervix transposition with a hegar dilator. Ten Santa Inês breed ewes were studied in a cross over model study where three epidural protocols (GK = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1; GKM = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1 + morphine 0.1 mg kg-1; GKX = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1 + xylazine 0.05 mg kg-1) were compared among each other and with a control treatment (GS= saline 1 mL/7.5 kg). The assessed variables were heart rate, respiratory frequency, ear temperature, non-invasive blood pressure and hemogasometric analysis. All parameters were assessed at baseline and then ewes were sedated with an association of acepromazine (0.1 mg kg -1) and diazepam (0.2 mg kg -1). Ten minutes after sedation all parameters were reassessed and afterwards the epidural injections were performed. Hemogasometry was repeated at 15 and 30 minutes after epidural and the other parameters assessed at 05, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after epidural. GKX showed a slight respiratory depression with lower levels of PO2 and a compensatory increase in respiratory frequency. GKM presented the lower temperature mean. All protocols showed few cardiorespiratory effects when compared with control. Epidural with 2.0 mg kg-1 ketamine isolated was considered the best opti

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e hemogasométricos da cetamina peridural e suas associações com morfina e xilazina em ovelhas submetidas à manipulação uterina por via transcervical. Foram estudadas dez ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. Três protocolos epidurais foram avaliados: (GK = cetamina 2,0 mg kg−1, GKM = cetamina 2,0 mg kg−1 + morfina 0,1 mg kg−1, GKX = cetamina 2,0 mg kg−1 + xilazina 0,05 mg kg−1). Os três protocolos foram comparados entre si e com um tratamento controle (GS = solução salina 1 mL/7,5kg). As variáveis avaliadas foram frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura auricular, pressão arterial não-invasiva além da análise hemogasométrica. Todos os parâmetros foram avaliados no momento basal e em seguida as ovelhas foram sedadas com associação de acepromazina (0,1 mg kg−1) e diazepam (0,2 mg kg−1). Dez minutos após a sedação, todos os parâmetros foram novamente avaliados e foram realizadas as injeções peridurais. A hemogasometria foi repetida aos 15 e 30 minutos após a peridural e os outros parâmetros avaliados aos 05, 15, 30, 45, e 60 minutos após a peridural. O GKX mostrou sinais de hipoxemia com menores níveis de pO2 e um aumento compensatório na frequência respiratória. O GKM apresentou a média de temperatura mais baixa. Todos os protocolos apresentaram poucos efeitos cardiorrespiratórios em relação ao controle. O protocolo epidural com 2,0 mg kg−1 de cetamina foi considerado a melhor opção para procedimentos curtos como manipulações obstétricas em ovinos devido à estabilidade cardiorrespiratória quando comparado com os protocolos que utilizaram associações.(AU)

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This study aimed to evaluate the cardiorespiratory and hemogasometric effects of epidural ketamine and its associations with morphine and xylazine in ewes submitted to transcervical cervix transposition with a hegar dilator. Ten Santa Inês breed ewes were studied in a cross over model study where three epidural protocols (GK = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1; GKM = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1 + morphine 0.1 mg kg-1; GKX = ketamine 2.0 mg kg-1 + xylazine 0.05 mg kg-1) were compared among each other and with a control treatment (GS= saline 1 mL/7.5 kg). The assessed variables were heart rate, respiratory frequency, ear temperature, non-invasive blood pressure and hemogasometric analysis. All parameters were assessed at baseline and then ewes were sedated with an association of acepromazine (0.1 mg kg -1) and diazepam (0.2 mg kg -1). Ten minutes after sedation all parameters were reassessed and afterwards the epidural injections were performed. Hemogasometry was repeated at 15 and 30 minutes after epidural and the other parameters assessed at 05, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after epidural. GKX showed a slight respiratory depression with lower levels of PO2 and a compensatory increase in respiratory frequency. GKM presented the lower temperature mean. All protocols showed few cardiorespiratory effects when compared with control. Epidural with 2.0 mg kg-1 ketamine isolated was considered the best opti

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e hemogasométricos da cetamina peridural e suas associações com morfina e xilazina em ovelhas submetidas à manipulação uterina por via transcervical. Foram estudadas dez ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. Três protocolos epidurais foram avaliados: (GK = cetamina 2,0 mg kg−1, GKM = cetamina 2,0 mg kg−1 + morfina 0,1 mg kg−1, GKX = cetamina 2,0 mg kg−1 + xilazina 0,05 mg kg−1). Os três protocolos foram comparados entre si e com um tratamento controle (GS = solução salina 1 mL/7,5kg). As variáveis avaliadas foram frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura auricular, pressão arterial não-invasiva além da análise hemogasométrica. Todos os parâmetros foram avaliados no momento basal e em seguida as ovelhas foram sedadas com associação de acepromazina (0,1 mg kg−1) e diazepam (0,2 mg kg−1). Dez minutos após a sedação, todos os parâmetros foram novamente avaliados e foram realizadas as injeções peridurais. A hemogasometria foi repetida aos 15 e 30 minutos após a peridural e os outros parâmetros avaliados aos 05, 15, 30, 45, e 60 minutos após a peridural. O GKX mostrou sinais de hipoxemia com menores níveis de pO2 e um aumento compensatório na frequência respiratória. O GKM apresentou a média de temperatura mais baixa. Todos os protocolos apresentaram poucos efeitos cardiorrespiratórios em relação ao controle. O protocolo epidural com 2,0 mg kg−1 de cetamina foi considerado a melhor opção para procedimentos curtos como manipulações obstétricas em ovinos devido à estabilidade cardiorrespiratória quando comparado com os protocolos que utilizaram associações.

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Gasometria arterial (GA) é um exame que permite avaliar a condição respiratória e metabólica do paciente, sendo uma das formas mais comuns de investigação clínica em casos emergenciais e de cuidados críticos. É utilizada para medir as concentrações de oxigênio e também para avaliação do distúrbio do equilíbrio ácido-base, da oxigenação do sangue arterial e da ventilação alveolar. O presente estudo tem como objetivo apontar e avaliar os princípios da técnica de gasometria arterial, fases analíticas, principais doenças em que se utiliza o exame e inovações da técnica ao longo dos anos, baseado em dados de artigos científicos e banco de dados do Scielo (Scientific Eletronic Library Online) e Lilacs (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde). A coleta de sangue arterial para gasometria ocorre através de um procedimento invasivo realizado por intermédio de uma punção arterial. Tal procedimento é executado pelo profissional enfermeiro e exige qualificações técnicas e científicas. O estudo mostrou que as informações acerca do exame constituem uma importante ferramenta para que se possam compreender a complexidade da técnica bem como os distúrbios ácido-base envolvidos na clínica do paciente.

Arterial blood gas (GA) is an exam that allows the assessment of respiratory and metabolic condition, being one of the most common forms of clinical investigation in emergency cases and critical care. It is used to measure oxygen concentrations, as well as for evaluation of acid-base balance disorder, arterial blood oxygenation and alveolar ventilation. This study aims to point out and evaluate the principles of arterial blood gas technique, analytical phases, main diseases in which the examination is used and innovations of the technique over the years, based on data from scientific articles and SciELO database (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature). The collection of arterial blood for blood gas analysis occurs through an invasive procedure in which an arterial puncture is performed. Such procedure is performed by the professional nurse and requires technical and scientific qualifications. The study showed that the information about the exam is an important tool to understand the complexity of the technique, as well as the acid-base disorders involved in the patient's clinic.

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O objetivo deste artigo foi abordar as controvérsias científicas acerca dos distúrbios ácido-base nas doenças hepáticas. Nos estágios avançados da doença hepática, os distúrbios ácido-base atuam de forma complexa, comprometendo a qualidade de vida do paciente e desafiando o manejo clínico. A literatura apresenta a alcalose respiratória como uma das principais alterações, porém há uma longa discussão sobre o mecanismo fisiopatológico; em especial, citam-se a hipóxia, a hipocapnia e o nível de progesterona. Nas desordens metabólicas, com destaque para a acidose, os estudos apontam principalmente o lactato, os unmeasured ions ou íons não medidos e as alterações hidroeletrolíticas, mas cada componente desse sobressai-se dependendo da fase da doença estudada, compensada ou descompensada. As controvérsias dos distúrbios ácido-base nas doenças hepáticas devem-se ora à complexidade da fisiopatologia da própria doença, ora à necessidade de mais estudos esclarecedores.

The aim of this study is to address the scientific controversy about acid-base disorders in liver diseases. In the end stage of liver diseases, the acid-base disorder has a complex performance, impairing the patient's quality of life and challenging the clinic management. Although the literature shows respiratory alkalosis as one of the main alterations, there is a long discussion about the pathophysiological mechanism, specially regarding hypoxia, hypocapnia, and progesterone level. In metabolic disorders, especially acidosis, the studies mainly indicate the lactate, unmeasured ions, and hydroelectrolytic alterations, but, depending on the disease phase, either compensated or decompensated, each element has a particular action. The controversy about acid-base disorders in liver diseases is associated with the complexity of this condition, as well as with the necessity of more specialized research.

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Abstract Introduction: The evaluation of metabolism and the diagnostic classification of acid-base disorders has generated great controversy. Acid-base balance (ABB) is approached by means of the physicochemical and Henderson's models. Objective: To compare two diagnostic approaches to ABB in patients with severe sepsis. Materials and methods: Prospective, descriptive study conducted in patients with severe sepsis. ABB was analyzed within the first 24 hours. The diagnosis was compared according to each model and the causes of the disorders were compared according to the physicochemical model. Results: 38 patients were included in the study, of which 21 (55%) were women; the mean age was 49 years, the median APACHE II, 13.28, and the mortality at 28 days, 24.3%. The traditional approach identified 8 patients with normal ABB, 20 with metabolic acidosis, and 10 with other disorders. Based on the physicochemical model, all subjects had acidosis and metabolic alkalosis. Increased strong ion difference (SID) was the most frequently observed disorder. Conclusion: The physicochemical model was useful to diagnose more patients with acid-base disorders. According to these results, all cases presented with acidosis and metabolic alkalosis; the most frequent proposed mechanism of acidosis was elevated SID. The nature of these disorders and their clinical relevance is yet to be established.

Resumen Introducción. Existe gran controversia en la evaluación del componente metabólico y en la clasificación diagnóstica de las alteraciones del equilibrio ácido-base (EAB), el cual se aborda mediante los modelos físico-químico y de Henderson. Objetivo. Comparar dos enfoques diagnósticos del EAB en pacientes con sepsis severa. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo prospectivo realizado en pacientes con sepsis severa. Se analizó el EAB en las primeras 24 horas; el diagnóstico se comparó según cada modelo y las causas de alteraciones, según el modelo físico-químico. Resultados. Se analizaron 38 pacientes (55% mujeres) con edad promedio de 49 años, mediana APACHE II de 13 y mortalidad a 28 días del 24.3%. El enfoque tradicional identificó 8 pacientes con EAB normal, 20 con acidosis metabólica y 10 con otros trastornos. En el modelo físico-químico, los 38 pacientes tuvieron alteraciones denominadas acidosis y alcalosis metabólica; el aumento de la brecha de iones fuertes (SIG, por su sigla en inglés) fue la más frecuente. Conclusión. El modelo físico-químico diagnosticó más pacientes con alteraciones ácido-base. Según este, todos tuvieron acidosis y alcalosis metabólica y el mecanismo propuesto más frecuente de acidosis fue el SIG elevado. La naturaleza de estas alteraciones y su significado clínico está por definirse.

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El magnesio participa en múltiples procesos metabólicos y diversos estudios han mostrado que sus niveles alterados se asocian a enfermedades crónicas, alteraciones del medio interno y en unidades de cuidados críticos, está asociado a mayor mortalidad. Objetivos: Determinar la relación entre el nivel de magnesio sérico y las alteraciones del medio interno, en pacientes incidentes al servicio de emergencia de un hospital general de Lima, Perú. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 201 pacientes con medida del magnesio, creatinina y electrolitos séricos, así como gasometría arterial al ingreso a emergencia del Hospital Cayetano Heredia (HCH) durante los años 2017-2018. Se analizó los valores del magnesio sérico y su asociación con las demás variables electrolíticas y clínicas. Resultados: La edad media de la población fue 60,1 ± 20,1 años. El magnesio sérico promedio fue 2,05±0,57 mg/dl. La hipomagnesemia e hipermagnesemia tuvieron una frecuencia de 20,4% y 21,9% respectivamente. La regresión lineal bivariado mostró correlación del magnesio con la creatinina, el potasio, el fósforo, el pH y HCO -. En la regresión lineal múltiple, sólo el pH se asoció significativamente con el magnesio. En el análisis del magnesio estratificado, el pH mostró la mayor significancia estadística. No hubo relación con la edad, sexo y variables clínicas. Conclusión: El magnesio es una alteración frecuente en la población que acude a la emergencia del HCH y tiene correlación con el bicarbonato, la creatinina, el potasio, el fósforo y el pH; siendo el último la variable más relevante.

Serum magnesium participates in multiple metabolic processes; several studies have shown that alterations in its serum levels are associated with chronic illnesses, alterations in the internal medium and the critical care units these alterations are associated with higher mortality. Objectives: To determine the relationship between serum magnesium level and alterations in the internal medium in incident patients attending an emerging service of a public hospital. Methods: 201 patients were included who had measurements of serum magnesium, creatinine, serum electrolytes and blood gases on admission to the emergency room at Hospital Cayetano Heredia (CHH) between 2017-2018. Results: Mean age was 60.1 ± 20.1 years. Mean serum magnesium level was 2.05 ± 0.57 mg/dl. Hypo and hypermagnesemia were observed in 20.4% and 21.9%, respectively. Bivariate lineal analysis showed correlation of magnesium with creatinine, potassium, phosphorus, pH and bicarbonate. The multiple lineal regression showed association of magnesium with pH only, which was corroborated in the stratified analysis, no association with age, gender and clinical variables was found. Conclusions: Serum magnesium levels are frequently altered in patients attending the emergency room at CHH and correlates with bicarbonate, creatinine, potassium, phosphorus and pH, with the latter being more relevant.