Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + • Low serum magnesium +++ Epidemiology + • Occurs with poor dietary intake, intestinal malabsorption, or excessive losses from the gut• Can also be caused by excessive urine losses, chronic alcohol abuse, hyperaldosteronism, and hypercalcemia• Occasionally, develops in acute pancreatitis, diabetic acidosis, burn victims, or with prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration +++ Symptoms and Signs + • Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes• Positive Chvostek sign• Tremors• Delirium• Convulsions +++ Laboratory Findings + • Low serum magnesium + • Depends on clinical suspicion and serum levels + • Serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and other electrolytes + • Administering supplemental magnesium• PO replacement for minor to moderate hypomagenesemia• For severe deficits: IV magnesium sulfate +++ Complications + • IV supplementation can quickly lead to hypomagnesaemia in patients with renal insufficiency• Refractory hypokalemia may accompany hypomagnesemia +++ Prognosis + • Excellent +++ Prevention + • Adequate daily intake• Including magnesium in TPN solutions +++ References ++Kelepouris E et al. Hypomagnesemia: renal magnesium handling. Semin Nephrol. 1998;18:58. [PubMed: 9459289] ++Whang R. Clinical disorders of magnesium metabolism. Compr Ther. 1997;23:168. [PubMed: 9113454] Your Access profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth