Focus on abnormalities in magnesium metabolism

Abstract

Magnesium plays an important role in several physiological functions, and disorders of magnesium metabolism are frequently detected in hospitalized populations. Since magnesium is primarily intracellular, it remains challenging to determine. Among all the methods used to determine its various forms, colorimetric tests for plasma magnesium levels remain the most commonly used. Hypomagnesemia, which is much more common than hypermagnesemia, is commonly due to increased gastrointestinal or renal loss of magnesium. Hypomagnesemia can lead to hypocalcemia and neuro-muscular manifestations such as tetanic seizures and muscle weakness, as well as cardiovascular manifestations such as arrhythmias. Once hypomagnesemia is detected, it must be treated to prevent the development of complications.