title: Primary hypomagnesemia in Thai infants: a case report with 7 years follow-up and review of literature.
abstract: A female Thai baby born to non-consanguineous parents, presented with primary hypomagnesemia at 10 weeks of age, and suffered recurrent convulsions that responded to magnesium supplementation. She was found to have hypomagnesemia (Mg 0.35-1.02 mEq/L) and a low urinary magnesium excretion of less than 10 mg per day, or urinary Mg/Cr that ranged from 0.005-0.01 mg/mg. Intermittent hypomagnesemia and one episode of hypocalcemia with occasional convulsions developed, due to irregular consumption of oral magnesium sulfate, which had a bitter taste, caused frequent loose stools and black staining of the teeth. Better compliance after switching from magnesium sulfate to magnesium oxide resulted in an increased level of serum magnesium and the gradual disappearance of the black staining of the teeth and frequent loose stools. The patient required an oral elemental magnesium dosage of 15-30 mg/kg/day to maintain the serum magnesium level at between 1.02-1.33 mEq/L and keep her free from convulsions. The follow-up period was 7 years during which the patient showed normal physical growth and a mild degree of mental retardation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
authors.forename: Kevalee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Unachak
authors.forename: Orawan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Louthrenoo
authors.forename: Kamornwan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Katanyuwong
mesh_terms: D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007223:Infant; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008277:Magnesium Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D008277:Magnesium Oxide