K S Kakish1. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Jordan Universityof Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan 22110. kakish@just.edu.jo
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine, if possible, whether magnesium deficiency exists in children with asthma during acute attacks and between exacerbations. SETTING: Emergency Department Clinic and Outpatient Pediatric Clinic of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid. METHODS: A total of 174 known asthmatic children who presented to the emergency department in acute attack (group 1) and 94 asthmatic children who presented to outpatient clinics for follow-up of asthma (group 2) had their serum magnesium levels assayed and compared with 232 patients without asthma (controls; group 3). Exclusion criteria were history of renal disease, cardiac disease, malabsorption, diuretic use, alcoholism, and pregnancy. RESULTS: There were no differences between study groups, although male patients had a slightly lower level of magnesium than female patients. CONCLUSION: After removing the confounder of sex, serum magnesium levels in asthmatic children during acute attacks and between exacerbations are not significantly different from those of controls.
OBJECTIVE: To determine, if possible, whether magnesium deficiency exists in children with asthma during acute attacks and between exacerbations. SETTING: Emergency Department Clinic and Outpatient Pediatric Clinic of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid. METHODS: A total of 174 known asthmatic children who presented to the emergency department in acute attack (group 1) and 94 asthmatic children who presented to outpatient clinics for follow-up of asthma (group 2) had their serum magnesium levels assayed and compared with 232 patients without asthma (controls; group 3). Exclusion criteria were history of renal disease, cardiac disease, malabsorption, diuretic use, alcoholism, and pregnancy. RESULTS: There were no differences between study groups, although male patients had a slightly lower level of magnesium than female patients. CONCLUSION: After removing the confounder of sex, serum magnesium levels in asthmatic children during acute attacks and between exacerbations are not significantly different from those of controls.