Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by lower than normal levels of magnesium in the blood. It is found to be prevalent among hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units.
Hypomagnesemia is associated with a number of biochemical abnormalities and hence it is hard to point out specific clinical manifestations for the condition. Two organ systems commonly affected by the deficiency are the cardiovascular system and the nervous system. Hyperactive neuromuscular functioning is a characteristic feature of this condition. Neuromuscular manifestations of the deficiency include seizure, muscular weakness, horizontal and vertical nystagmus, cortical blindness, tremors and paresthesias [10].
Abnormalities in ECG and arrhythmias are the main cardiovascular symptoms of the condition. Hypokalemia and hypocalcemia are also noted in patients with low levels of magnesium. Conduction system of the heart also shows symptoms of neuromuscular hyperactivity, indicated by disturbances in cardiac rhythm like atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and tachycardia. Some patients complain of gastrointestinal distress like anorexia and nausea.
The normal levels of magnesium in adults is 1.5-2.5 mEq/L. As the level drops lower than 1 mEq/L, the patient may present with tremors and hyperactive deep-tendon reflexes. Vertical nystagmus and muscular fibrillations are also common. The patient may show high irritability or be disoriented. Depression and psychosis are evident in some patients. In severe cases, respiratory muscle fibers show impaired function.
Measuring the serum magnesium levels is the accepted method for assessing deficiency of magnesium. It may also be done by assessing the intracellular magnesium content of red cell, mononuclear cell, or skeletal muscle. Other methods to measure the levels of magnesium include fractional excretion of magnesium, intracellular concentration of magnesium ions, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Apart from direct measurement of magnesium in the serum, magnesium retention may also be checked for assessment. But this method may not be useful in case of renal loss of the cation. Magnesium levels are also interpreted by assessing the levels of proteins in extracellular fluid. Some non-specific changes in the ECG also suggests probability of magnesium deficiency, including ST segment depression, peaked T waves, PR prolongation and broad QRS segment. Urinary magnesium excretion is used to distinguish between hypomagnesemia caused by gastrointestinal and renal losses. The normal blood and urine tests used in the diagnosis of condition include calcium levels, comprehensive metabolic panel, for magnesium and potassium, and urine magnesium tests.
Prompt and appropriate treatment helps to resolve the condition in most of the cases. Replenishment of magnesium helps to improve the symptoms. Diet rich in magnesium-containing foods is suggested. Green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains are good sources of magnesium.
Magnesium repletion is done using different routes based on the severity of the symptoms. For those who have hypocalcemia or hypokalemia with hypomagnesemia, intravenous magnesium is suggested. The dose is monitored to keep the concentration above 0.8mEq/L. Patients with substantial deficiency may require sustained replenishment of the ion. Oral replacement is suggested for patients who are asymptomatic. Magnesium is usually given in divided doses with two to four tablets for mild cases of hypomagnesemia. Those who have hypocalcemia or hypokalemia as concomitant conditions with magnesium deficiency, are given calcium and potassium replenishments as well.
If magnesium deficiency is caused by medications like diuretics, it should be immediately discontinued. If a diuretic cannot be discontinued in any of the cases, it should be changed to potassium-sparing diuretic. Serum magnesium levels of all the patients should be monitored continuously and if deficiency persists, oral magnesium supplementation is recommended.
In general, prognosis depends on the actual cause, severity of the symptoms and early treatment. Prognosis is very good if the cause of the deficiency is clear. And in most of the cases, complete recovery is reported. For those with chronic deficiency of magnesium, care should be taken for continuous replenishment.
Some of the most common etiologic factors of hypomagnesemia include:
Hypomagnesemia is seen in malnourished individuals or those who have inadequate intake of the cation in diet. About 30% of alcoholics also have hypomagnesemia [2]. Alcohol induces tubular dysfunction resulting in excessive secretion of magnesium. This condition is reversed with few weeks of alcohol abstinence. Dietary deficiency, pancreatitis, and diarrhea in alcoholics may also lead to hypomagnesemia.
Serum magnesium levels may fall due to redistribution of the cation from extracellular space to intracellular fluid or bones [3]. In patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, insulin therapy may result in shifting of magnesium back into the cells from extracellular fluid [4]. When malnourished patients are fed with carbohydrate-loaded food, extracellular volume increases while levels of magnesium, phosphate and potassium reduces. Parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy may lead to hungry bone syndrome, characterized by removal of magnesium from extracellular fluid.
Defective or impaired absorption of magnesium results from malabsorption of ions, chronic diarrhea, and bypass surgery of the intestine. Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is also associated with reduced absorption of magnesium. Magnesium is wasted through excretion in many renal tubular disorders as well. Gitelman syndrome is one of the autosomal disorders that cause hypomagnesemia. Other inherited disorders including antenatal Bartter syndrome, autosomal-dominant hypocalcemia and hypercalciuria also lead to hypomagnesemia.
Certain drugs like loop diuretics and aminoglycosides are known to increase excretion resulting in deficiency of magnesium in blood. Lower level of magnesium is also associated with abnormalities in the transport of calcium and potassium as in hypercalciuria and hypocalciuria. Surgery may result in this condition [5] when the cation chelates with circulating free fatty acids. Some other causes of hypomagnesemia include hyperaldosteronism and hyperglycemia.
Prevalence of this electrolyte imbalance ranges from 1.5% to 15% in the general population. Incidence of hypomagnesemia is about 12% in hospitalized patients while it is very high, to the order of 60% to 65%, in critically ill patients. About 25% of patients with diabetes show clinical manifestations of hypomagnesemia. Alcoholics also have increased risk of developing this condition. About 30% to 80% of the patients with alcohol dependency develop hypomagnesemia. Information on incidence of this condition in different age groups is sparse. Neonates are considered to have a higher risk of developing this condition when compared to other age groups.
Hypomagnesemia results in a number of metabolic abnormalities including decreased levels of potassium in serum. Decreased levels of magnesium lead to differential conductance of K+ ions with more of these ions excreted in the renal tubules [6]. Magnesium deficiency also results in decreased release of parathyroid hormone leading to hypocalcemia [7]. Decreased levels of magnesium affect the ion exchange at the surface of bones with increased absorption of calcium from the serum and increased release of magnesium from bones.
Effect of magnesium deficiency on electrical activity and contraction of myocardium result in a number of cardiovascular effects including arrhythmia [8]. This is mainly due to impaired sodium-potassium pump and increased outflow of potassium. Increases in intracellular magnesium content raise the vascular tone and total peripheral resistance. This may lead to hypertension and this is supported by the fact that magnesium replenishment provide hypotensive effects. Studies also show that magnesium deficiency in serum play an important role in myocardial infarction.
When serum levels of magnesium decrease, axon stabilization threshold reduces. This increases the excitability of both muscles and nerves. Secretion and sensitivity of insulin decrease with magnesium deficiency [9]. Hypomagnesemia is also associated with other diseases like hypertension and hyperlidemia. Migraine is also known to be related to low levels of magnesium. This deficiency is linked to many other conditions including sudden death in athletes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Treating the underlying condition that causes hypomagnesemia goes a long way in preventing the condition. Having a balanced diet, quitting alcohol consumption, controlling diabetes and taking magnesium supplements are all helpful in improving the symptoms. As in many other diseases, prompt diagnosis and start of treatment is very important in preventing complications.
Hypomagnesemia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by low levels of the cation magnesium in the blood. This condition has important clinical consequences as magnesium is essential in maintaining the functioning of heart and nervous system. Magnesium also plays a role in energy transfer and storage, and metabolism of fat and carbohydrates [1].
Hypomagnesemia is found to be prevalent among hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units. Low levels of magnesium can affect many organs and may even lead to sudden death. Replenishing the levels of this cation is the most appropriate treatment modality to avoid complications. Prognosis is good if the cause of the condition is clearly defined.
Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by lower than normal levels of magnesium in the blood. Normal adults have about 1.5-2.5 mEq/L magnesium in serum. This ion is very important in maintaining the functioning of heart and nervous system in the body. In general population, prevalence of this condition is about 2%. In most of the cases, people have lower amounts of magnesium in the diet than what is recommended.
Under normal conditions, body regulates the level of magnesium by different methods. In some cases, more amount of magnesium is shifted into the cells from the serum resulting in a deficiency. Damage or disorders in the kidney may result in excessive secretion of magnesium in urine leading to a decrease in the levels. Having insufficient amounts of magnesium in the diet, gastrointestinal problems that affect absorption of the ion from food, alcoholism, certain medications, and endocrine disorders may all result in this electrolyte imbalance. Some people may remain without any obvious symptoms even when the blood report shows low levels of magnesium. Those with very low levels of magnesium may have muscle weakness, reduced reflex, tremors, hypertension, and irregular heart rhythms. Some people may also have abnormal eye movements.
A thorough physical examination will help the doctor in identifying the underlying cause of the condition. Other tests that are normally used for confirmatory diagnosis of the condition include ECG, blood calcium levels, blood potassium levels, and level of magnesium in urine.
Treatment of the condition is based on the severity of symptoms and level of deficiency. Patients with mild symptoms may show improvement with oral replacement of magnesium. When the symptoms are acute, intravenous replenishment is recommended. If cardiac problems are seen as symptoms, intravenous magnesium sulfate is suggested. If the deficiency is caused by the use of certain medications, doctors might recommend discontinuation of the same till symptoms improve. If hypomagnesemia is seen with any other conditions like low levels of calcium or potassium, supplements will be given to remove the deficiency. Dietary management of the condition involves having more of magnesium-containing foods including green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. The outcome of treatment is good if magnesium is replenished appropriately. If any underlying condition is the actual cause of the disease, treating the same helps to remove the deficiency.