Magnesium deficiency

For treatment of magnesium deficiency, see Magnesium (medical use). For magnesium deficiency in plants, see chlorosis.
Magnesium deficiency
Other namesHypomagnesia, hypomagnesemia
Magnesium
SpecialtyEndocrinology
SymptomsTremor, poor coordination, nystagmus, seizures[1]
ComplicationsSeizures, cardiac arrest (torsade de pointes), low potassium[1]
CausesAlcoholism, starvation, diarrhea, increased urinary loss, poor absorption from the intestines, certain medications[1][2]
Diagnostic methodBlood levels < 0.6 mmol/L (1.46 mg/dL)[1]
TreatmentMagnesium salts[2]
FrequencyRelatively common (hospitalized people)[2]

Magnesium deficiency is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is a low level of magnesium in the body.[3] Symptoms include tremor, poor coordination, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, personality changes, and nystagmus.[1][2] Complications may include seizures or cardiac arrest such as from torsade de pointes.[1] Those with low magnesium often have low potassium.[1]

Causes include low dietary intake, alcoholism, diarrhea, increased urinary loss, and poor absorption from the intestines.[1][4][5] Some medications may also cause low magnesium, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and furosemide.[2] The diagnosis is typically based on finding low blood magnesium levels, also called hypomagnesemia.[6] Normal magnesium levels are between 0.6 and 1.1 mmol/L (1.46–2.68 mg/dL) with levels less than 0.6 mmol/L (1.46 mg/dL) defining hypomagnesemia.[1] Specific electrocardiogram (ECG) changes may be seen.[1]

Treatment is with magnesium either by mouth or intravenously.[2] For those with severe symptoms, intravenous magnesium sulfate may be used.[1] Associated low potassium or low calcium should also be treated.[2] The condition is relatively common among people in hospitals.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Soar J, Perkins GD, Abbas G, Alfonzo A, Barelli A, Bierens JJ, et al. (October 2010). "European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2010 Section 8. Cardiac arrest in special circumstances: Electrolyte abnormalities, poisoning, drowning, accidental hypothermia, hyperthermia, asthma, anaphylaxis, cardiac surgery, trauma, pregnancy, electrocution". Resuscitation. 81 (10): 1400–1433. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.08.015. PMID 20956045.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Hypomagnesemia". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  3. ^ "Definition of Magnesium Deficiency". MedicineNet.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  4. ^ de Baaij JH, Hoenderop JG, Bindels RJ (January 2015). "Magnesium in man: implications for health and disease". Physiological Reviews. 95 (1): 1–46. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.668.9777. doi:10.1152/physrev.00012.2014. PMID 25540137. S2CID 4999601.
  5. ^ Gommers LM, Hoenderop JG, Bindels RJ, de Baaij JH (January 2016). "Hypomagnesemia in Type 2 Diabetes: A Vicious Circle?". Diabetes. 65 (1): 3–13. doi:10.2337/db15-1028. PMID 26696633.
  6. ^ Goldman L, Schafer AI (2015). Goldman-Cecil Medicine E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 775. ISBN 9780323322850.