Magnesium is the main intracellular metal cation that plays an essential role in fundamental cellular reactions. Hypomagnesemia is frequent postoperatively and in the ICU, this often unrecognized condition is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, hypomagnesemia should be corrected. There are varieties of disorders in non-magnesium depleted patients where intravenous magnesium appears to have a therapeutic benefit. This review considers magnesium physiology - metabolism and magnesium status in critical illness. (Journal of the Turkish Society of Intensive Care 2011; 9: 30-7)

Keywords: Magnesium, critical illness, sepsis-septic shock, magnesium-therapy