Hypomagnesemia

Usually associated with hypocalcemia AND clinically indistinguishable from Hypocalcemia.

• Hyperphosphatemia (PTH needs magnesium in order to function)
• Renal loss
• Infants of diabetic mothers
• Iatrogenic
• Deficient placental transfer
• Decreased intestinal absorption
• Neontal hypoparathyroidism

Hypermagnesemia

• Commonly occurs in infants born to mothers treated with magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia
• Presentation:
  • At lower levels: hypoventilation, lethargy, flaccidity, hyporeflexia
  • At higher levels: CNS depression, respiratory failure

CHLA Board Review 2005