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 select how you would like to proceed. Keep the current affiliation with [InstitutionA] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Switch affiliation to [InstitutionB] and continue with the Access profile sign in process 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 Error: Incorrect UserName or Password Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Sign in Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Download the Access App: iOS | Android Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth You already have access! Please proceed to your institution's subscription. Create a free profile for additional features.