A Forest1, A Lemaire, J Boddaert, M Verny. 1. Service de gériatrie, hôpital de la Pitié-Salpétrière, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France. Anneforest1@hotmail.com
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The clinical consequences of plasmatic magnesium variations are underecognized in clinical practice. The dosage of plasmatic magnesium is underused and not reliable. Moreover, hypomagnesemia is often associated with other metabolic disorders (hypocalcemia, hypokaliemia), which are responsible for several symptoms. CASE REPORT: We report an 85-year-old man who presented with repeated bronchospasm, confusion, and abdominal and muscular pain, attributed to low magnesium serum level. We then review pathophysiology, various etiologies, clinical features, diagnostic challenge and treatment of low magnesium serum level. CONCLUSION: Hypomagnesemia is poorly known and diagnosed. Therapeutic issues have not been clearly defined.
INTRODUCTION: The clinical consequences of plasmatic magnesium variations are underecognized in clinical practice. The dosage of plasmatic magnesium is underused and not reliable. Moreover, hypomagnesemia is often associated with other metabolic disorders (hypocalcemia, hypokaliemia), which are responsible for several symptoms. CASE REPORT: We report an 85-year-old man who presented with repeated bronchospasm, confusion, and abdominal and muscular pain, attributed to low magnesium serum level. We then review pathophysiology, various etiologies, clinical features, diagnostic challenge and treatment of low magnesium serum level. CONCLUSION:Hypomagnesemia is poorly known and diagnosed. Therapeutic issues have not been clearly defined.