Randomized trial of the effect of magnesium sulfate continuous infusion on IL-6 and CRP serum levels following abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is widely considered as the disease of elderly white men. Inflammation is one of the most well-known mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AAA. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body with established anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of Mg loading following AAA surgery on two inflammation markers, IL-6 and CRP, as well as patients’ outcome.
This study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial on 18 patients (divided into two groups) after surgical correction of Acute Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). All the patients admitted in ICU ward of Sina Hospital. In intervention group, 10 grams of MgSO4 has been infused through 12 hours. The control group has not received the intervention. IL-6 and CRP were measured and compared at times 0,12, 24 and 36 hours. The patients were monitored for 36 hours.
After intervention, the differences of heart rate and APACHE II score were not statistically significant between intervention and control groups (P=0.097 and P=0.472, respectively). IL-6 levels decreased consistently in both groups after inclusion in the study. However, IL-6 level was significantly less in intervention group early after the end of MgSO4 infusion comparing with control group (P=0.01). Likewise, the CRP level decreased significantly after inclusion in the study (P=0.005). However, these changes were not significant between intervention and control groups (P=0.297).
According to the results of this study, continuous infusion of MgSO4 after AAA surgery may provide IL-6 suppression.