Abstract
Persistent hypocalcaemia usually is a presentation of hypoparathyroidism. When it is coupled with low parathormone levels the diagnosis seems almost certain. However, the fact that hypomagnesaemia can give rise to both hypocalcaemia and low parathormone levels gives us points to ponder. This case depicts a young woman soon after childbirth presenting with carpopedal spasm and biochemical abnormalities. Subsequent correction of hypomagnesaemia readjusts calcium, potassium and parathormone levels.J Enam Med Col 2015; 5(3): 179-181
Highlights
Magnesium is mostly present intracellularly in our body
Normal magnesium levels fall between 1.7–2.1 mg/dL.[1]
The suspicion should arise in settings of risk factors for hypomagnesaemia or when there is persistent unexplained hypocalcaemia or refractory hypokalaemia.[2,3]
Summary
Magnesium is mostly present intracellularly in our body. Normal magnesium levels fall between 1.7–2.1 mg/dL.[1] There are two major mechanisms by which hypomagnesaemia can occur: gastrointestinal or renal losses. A relatively small deficit can cause hypomagnesaemia because there is very little exchange of extracellular magnesium with much larger bone and cell stores. Serum magnesium is not usually measured routinely in clinical practice, its deficit takes a longer time to be identified. The suspicion should arise in settings of risk factors for hypomagnesaemia (diarrhoea, diuretic use, prolonged use of proton pump inhibitor, alcoholism) or when there is persistent unexplained hypocalcaemia or refractory hypokalaemia.[2,3] This case history depicts a young female who presented with tetanic spasm and Chvostek’s sign positive in the wake of hypomagnesaemia in the post-partum period
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