title: Correlation between serum magnesium levels and hepatic encephalopathy in immediate post liver transplantation period.
abstract: Liver transplantation is a complex procedure that interferes with multiple body functions and can cause several complications. Studies have shown varying incidences of neurological complications (8% to 47%) including encephalopathy, as well as cerebrovascular problems, infections, and neurotoxicity induced by immunosuppressive drugs. The majority of these cases occur in the first week after surgery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to evaluate the correlation between serum magnesium levels and the development of encephalopathy in the immediate posttransplantation period.
  
  
  METHODS
  We collected data from patients undergoing liver transplantation, both donors and recipients, from 2007 to 2009. Magnesium levels during the first week of hospitalization were compared to reference laboratory results. The West Haven criteria were used to classify whether if the patient experienced encephalopathy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only the level of magnesium posttransplantation represented a risk for encephalopathy (P = .049). Lower magnesium levels increased the risk of encephalopathy (relative risk = 3.718; 95% confidence interval: 1.001-13.699).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We verified the importance of low levels of magnesium as a predictive factor to increase the occurrence of encephalopathy after liver transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Hospital, State University Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.forename: M F T
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Mei
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Guardia
authors.forename: R S B
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Stucchi
authors.forename: E Y
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Udo
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Warwar
authors.forename: I F S F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Boin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008274:Magnesium