MAGNESIUM DEFICIT
General information
Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) results from excessive magnesium (Mg) loss from increased renal (kidney) excretion or gastrointestinal (GI) fluid losses, insufficient dietary Mg intake, or movement of Mg from the ECF to the ICF
Mg, the second most abundant intracellular cation, is essential for neuromuscular integration; hypomagnesemia increases muscle cell irritability and contractility
Mg also activates enzyme systems and contributes to intracellular biochemical reactions
Hypomagnesemia causes decreased blood pressure and may result in ventricular dysrhythhmias
Hypomagnesemia commonly is mistaken for hypokalemia, which often occurs simultaneously
Etiology (causes)
Excessive dietary intake of calcium or vitamin D
Severe GI fluid losses from gastric suctioning or lavage (performed by medical personnel), prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, or laxative abuse
Prolonged, excessive diuretic therapy
Administration of I.V. fluids or TPN without Mg replacement (an oversight by medical personnel)
Prolonged malnutrition or starvation
Malabsorption syndromes (a disease where nutrients are not absorbed by the body)
Ulcerative colitis (a disease of the bowel)
Hypercalcemia (excess calcium)
Hypoparathyroidism (a disorder of the parathyroid gland resulting in low parathyroid hormone)
Hypoaldosteronism (decreased levels of the hormone aldosertone)
High-dose steroid use
Cancer chemotherapy
Gentamicin therapy (an I.V. antibiotic)
Burns and debridement therapy
Sepsis (a severe infection of the blood)
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Chronic alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal
Pregnancy-induced hypertension
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