Serum magnesium level is not associated with inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum magnesium (Mg) with the radiological severity and inflammation in the patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: A total of 75 patients (61 females, 14 males; mean age 67.5 +/- 9.9 years; range 44 to 92 years) with the Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 1-4 knee OA were included in the study. Serum Mg levels (mg/dL) and inflammatory markers including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; mm/h) and C-reactive protein (CRP; mg/dL) were recorded. Serum Mg levels of the patients with mild OA (Grade 1-2) and severe OA (Grade 3-4) were compared. The correlation between Mg and both inflammatory markers was analyzed. Results: Severe OA group had significantly lower Mg levels than the mild OA group (p=0.044). Serum Mg level was not found to be correlated with either inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusion: Although serum Mg is associated with the radiological severity of knee OA, it is not associated with inflammatory biomarkers including ESR and CRP.