title: Hypomagnesaemia in the first 10 days of severe leptospirosis.
abstract: Magnesium imbalance in leptospirosis has, for the most part, been neglected by the medical and leptospirosis communities. In a recent, retrospective study, serum concentrations of magnesium were followed in 15 patients with severe leptospirosis. The results revealed that 14 of the 15 patients developed hypomagnesaemia at some time during the first 10 days of their illness. In severely ill patients, such magnesium deficiency can worsen clinical outcome. Magnesium concentrations may affect a number of organ systems and mental status. Since altered mental status in leptospirosis is a poor prognostic indicator, it is suggested that serum concentrations of magnesium be monitored closely in patients with leptospirosis. Any hypomagnesaemia can then be treated promptly, in an effort to reduce the morbidity and mortality attributable to the disease.
authors.affiliation: WHO/OIE/FAO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia. scott_craig@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: M-A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Dohnt
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Jansen
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Smythe
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: McKay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood*; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008274:Magnesium