Hypomagnesemia in Children

Introduction to Hypomagnesemia in Children

Hypomagnesemia is defined as a serum magnesium level below 1.7 mg/dL (0.70 mmol/L) in children. It is a relatively common electrolyte disorder in pediatric patients, particularly in critically ill children and those with certain chronic conditions. The normal range of serum magnesium in children varies slightly by age:

  • Newborns: 1.5-2.3 mg/dL (0.62-0.95 mmol/L)
  • Children: 1.7-2.3 mg/dL (0.70-0.95 mmol/L)
  • Adults: 1.8-2.3 mg/dL (0.74-0.95 mmol/L)

Magnesium is crucial for numerous physiological processes, including neuromuscular function, enzyme activity, and energy metabolism. Recognizing and treating hypomagnesemia is essential in pediatric care to prevent potentially serious complications.



Hypomagnesemia in Children
  1. What is the definition of hypomagnesemia in children?
    Serum magnesium levels below 1.7 mg/dL (0.70 mmol/L)
  2. What is the most common cause of hypomagnesemia in hospitalized children?
    Gastrointestinal losses (diarrhea, malabsorption)
  3. Which medication class commonly causes hypomagnesemia as a side effect?
    Proton pump inhibitors
  4. What is the primary source of magnesium in the diet?
    Green leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains
  5. Which genetic disorder is characterized by renal magnesium wasting?
    Gitelman syndrome
  6. What is the role of the TRPM6 channel in hypomagnesemia?
    Mutations in TRPM6 cause hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia
  7. Which electrolyte imbalances are commonly associated with hypomagnesemia?
    Hypokalemia and hypocalcemia
  8. What is the most serious cardiac complication of severe hypomagnesemia?
    Ventricular arrhythmias
  9. Which neuromuscular symptom is characteristic of moderate hypomagnesemia?
    Tetany
  10. What is the effect of hypomagnesemia on deep tendon reflexes?
    Hyperreflexia
  11. Which gastrointestinal condition can lead to chronic hypomagnesemia?
    Celiac disease
  12. What is the effect of severe hypomagnesemia on calcium homeostasis?
    Functional hypoparathyroidism leading to hypocalcemia
  13. Which medication used in chemotherapy can cause hypomagnesemia?
    Cisplatin
  14. What is the primary treatment for symptomatic hypomagnesemia?
    Intravenous magnesium replacement
  15. Which form of magnesium is commonly used for oral supplementation?
    Magnesium oxide
  16. What is the role of vitamin D in magnesium homeostasis?
    Enhancing intestinal magnesium absorption
  17. Which laboratory test is used to assess urinary magnesium excretion?
    24-hour urine magnesium collection
  18. What is the effect of hypomagnesemia on the QT interval in ECG?
    Prolongation of the QT interval
  19. Which endocrine disorder can cause hypomagnesemia due to increased urinary magnesium excretion?
    Hyperaldosteronism
  20. What is the role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in magnesium homeostasis?
    Regulating magnesium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
  21. Which genetic disorder is characterized by hypomagnesemia and hypercalciuria?
    Familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC)
  22. What is the effect of hypomagnesemia on vitamin D metabolism?
    Impaired conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
  23. Which medication used in the treatment of asthma can cause hypomagnesemia?
    Beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol)
  24. What is the role of magnesium in glucose metabolism?
    Magnesium is a cofactor for enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and insulin action
  25. Which condition can cause transient hypomagnesemia in newborns?
    Transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism
  26. What is the effect of hypomagnesemia on neuromuscular junction transmission?
    Increased acetylcholine release leading to muscle hyperexcitability
  27. Which imaging technique is used to assess for nephrocalcinosis in chronic hypomagnesemia?
    Renal ultrasound
  28. What is the role of magnesium in bone metabolism?
    Magnesium is essential for bone mineralization and osteoblast function
  29. Which medication used in the treatment of ADHD can cause hypomagnesemia?
    Amphetamines
  30. What is the effect of hypomagnesemia on parathyroid hormone secretion?
    Impaired parathyroid hormone secretion and action


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