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Abstract
We can conclude that : Hypocalcemia is a frequent finding in ICU patients, both at admission and during the follow-up period. The prevalence rate of total and ionized hypocalcemia in all study population was 67% and 65% respectively with the highest rates observed in trauma patients (95% and 70%) and septic patients (100% and 90%), while their incidence during the follow-up period for all patients was 69% and 48% respectively and also the frequency of this problem was higher in the same groups, trauma (95% and 60%) and septic patients (95% and 75%). Determining ionized Ca+2 levels is useful because many ICU patients have alterations in both arterial pH and serum albumin levels. Hypoalbuminemia, red cell transfusion, hypomagnesemia, renal failure and hyperphosphatemia are predisposing risk factors for the development of hypocalcemia. Total and ionized hypocalcemia associated with a poor prognosis since these patients need longer ICU stay and showed higher mortality rate.