C-reactive protein levels correlate with mortality and organ failure in critically ill patients.

Study Objectives: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein, the blood levels of which increase rapidly in response to infection, trauma, ischemia, burns, and other inflammatory conditions. Although used frequently in the ICU as a sepsis marker, the relation of CRP levels to organ damage is not well known. This study assessed the association between early serum CRP concentrations and the development of organ failure and mortality in ICU patients.

Development of ionized hypomagnesemia is associated with higher mortality rates.

Objective: Previous studies have shown a wide variation in the prevalence of total serum hypomagnesemia in intensive are unit (ICU) patients and in associated mortality rates. As the ionized part of magnesium is the active portion, we sought to define the prevalence of ionized hypomagnesemia in critically ill patients and to evaluate its relationship with organ dysfunction, length of stay, and mortality.

Design: Prospective observational study.