Blood Magnesium Levels Research Articles

Magnesium

The ideal medication for prevention and treatment of migraine would have no side effects, no risk, would be safe in pregnancy, as well as being highly effective while remaining inexpensive. Of course, no such medication exists, but magnesium comes closer than many interventions on all these fronts. Magnesium oxide is frequently used in pill form to prevent migraine, usually at a dose of 400-500 mg per day. Acutely, it can be dosed in pill form at the same dosage, or given intravenously as magnesium sulfate at 1-2 gm. The most frequent side effect is diarrhea, which can be helpful in those prone to constipation. The diarrhea and abdominal cramping that is sometimes experienced is dose responsive, such that a lower dose or decreasing the frequency of intake usually takes care of the problem. Magnesium oxide in doses up to 400 mg is pregnancy category A, which means it can be used safely in pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate, typically given intravenously, now carries a warning related to bone thinning seen in the developing fetus when used longer than 5-7 days in a row. This was discovered in the context of high doses being given to pregnant women to prevent preterm labor. The strongest evidence for magnesium's effectiveness is in patients who have, or have had, aura with their migraines. It is believed magnesium may prevent the wave of brain signaling, called cortical spreading depression, which produces the visual and sensory changes that are the common forms of aura. Other mechanisms of magnesium action include improved platelet function and decreased release or blocking of pain transmitting chemicals in the brain such as Substance P and glutamate. Magnesium may also prevent narrowing of brain blood vessels caused by the neurotransmitter serotonin. Daily oral magnesium has also been shown to be effective in preventing menstrually related migraine, especially in those with premenstrual migraine. This means that preventive use can be targeted at those with aura and/or those with menstrually related migraine. It is difficult to measure magnesium levels accurately, as levels in the blood stream may represent only 2% of total body stores, with the rest of magnesium stored in the bones or within cells. Most importantly, simple magnesium blood levels do not give an accurate measure of magnesium levels in the brain. This has led to uncertainty concerning whether correcting a low magnesium level is necessary in treatment, or whether magnesium effectiveness is even related to low blood levels in the first place. Measurement of ionized magnesium or red blood cell magnesium levels is thought to possibly be more accurate, but these laboratory tests but are more difficult and expensive to obtain. Because magnesium may not be accurately measured, low magnesium in the brain can be difficult to prove. Those prone to low magnesium include people with heart disease, diabetes, alcoholism, and those on diuretics for blood pressure. There is some evidence that migraineurs may have lower levels of brain magnesium either from decreased absorption of it in food, a genetic tendency to low brain magnesium, or from excreting it from the body to a greater degree than non-migraineurs. Studies of migraineurs have found low levels of brain and spinal fluid magnesium in between migraine attacks. In 2012, the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology reviewed the studies on medications used for migraine prevention and gave magnesium a Level B rating, that is, it is probably effective and should be considered for patients requiring migraine preventive therapy. Because of its safety profile and the lack of serious side effects, magnesium is often chosen as a preventive strategy either alone, or with other preventive medications. Magnesium has also been studied for the acute, as-needed treatment of severe, difficult-to-treat migraine. Magnesium sulfate given intravenously was found to be most effective in those with a history of migraine with aura. In those without a history of aura, no difference was seen in immediate pain relief or nausea relief by magnesium, but there was less light and noise sensitivity after the infusion. Magnesium oxide, in tablet form, is very inexpensive, does not require a prescription, and may be considered as very reasonable prevention in those who have a history of aura, menstrually related migraine, no health insurance, or who may become pregnant. Because of the excellent safety profile of magnesium, any patient who has frequent migraines and is considering a preventive strategy to reduce the frequency or severity of their headaches may want to consider this option and discuss it with their physician. To find more resources, please visit the American Migraine Foundation(http://kaywa.me/ir2eb)

Pretreatment of Formula or Expressed Breast Milk With Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate®) as a Treatment for Hyperkalemia in Infants With Acute or Chronic Renal Insufficiency

To evaluate the effect on serum potassium of treating infant formula or expressed breast milk (EBM) with sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) before patient consumption. Retrospective cohort study of patients at Seattle Children's Hospital who received SPS-treated formula or EBM. Thirteen patients less than 2years of age with a diagnosis of hyperkalemia and acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease that had received formula or EBM pretreated with SPS between September 2009 and May 2012 were identified. Hyperkalemia was defined as a serum potassium concentration greater than 5.5 mEq/L. The primary endpoint was the mean change in serum potassium 48hours after receiving pretreated formula or EBM. Serum potassium levels before and after patient consumption were averaged and compared using a paired t test. Pretreatment of formula or EBM with SPS resulted in a 24% decrease in serum potassium levels (6.3 mEq/L to 4.8 mEq/L; P< .0001). There was a significant difference in before and after calcium and creatinine levels (P < .05), and no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride, or bicarbonate levels. Pretreatment of formula or EBM with SPS before consumption is an effective treatment for hyperkalemia in infants. Caution needs to be taken in patients who have sodium restrictions because the exchange for potassium produces a sodium-rich formula.

Serum Level of Some Minerals during Three Trimesters of Pregnancy in Iranian Women and Their Newborns: A Longitudinal Study.

Concentrations of various trace elements are altered during pregnancy with changes in the mother's physiology and the requirements of growing fetus. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to learn the changes of micronutrients Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) Magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) of pregnant woman and their relations with newborns levels. Serum levels of iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and copper of 162 pregnant women and their newborns were determined by an inductively couple plasma mass spectrometer (ICP/MS). The results showed that majority (41%) of pregnant women were in age group 26-36years 55% had high school and diploma levels of education and the total income ranged between 3 and 5 Rials million per month There was significant difference in iron levels during first, second and third trimesters, 76.0±17.8, 63.5±15.2 and 70.1±14.4μg/dl respectively. Significant difference was shown in zinc levels 79.5±15, 74.5±16.1, and 65.3±14.9μg/dl during three trimesters. Copper levels during pregnancy were significantly different (130.9±43.5, 172.0±38.94, 193.2±28.5μg/dl. The serum levels of calcium and magnesium during pregnancy were constant (Ca: 8.96±0.48, 8.86±0.47, 8.91±0.42mg/dl and Mg: 2.10±0.21, 2.08±0.28, 2.09±0.29mg/dl). Results showed that 13% of pregnant women had hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia. Thirty eight percent and 42% of pregnant women had iron and zinc deficiency respectively. In this study, unlike zinc, no pregnant women were found deficient in serum copper levels. Calcium, iron, zinc, copper and magnesium levels in the newborn's cord blood were 8.93±0.43, 106.0±26.1, 85.35±16.6, 57.04±13.8 and 1.99±0.27mg/dl respectively. In the present study the levels of iron and zinc in cord blood were higher than the levels of iron and zinc in maternal serum. The mean level of copper in cord blood serum in the current study was lower than maternal values. The mean serum calcium and magnesium in the serum cord blood and in the serum of the pregnant women were similar.

EFFECTS OF FEEDING MILK REPLACER ON SELECTED HAEMATO- BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN YAK (Bos grunniens) CALVES.

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of feeding milk and milk replacer on selected haemato-biochemical constituents of Yak calves up to 3 months of age. The calves were subjected to three feeding regimes viz. natural suckling (T1), milk replacer (T2) and bottle whole milk feeding (T3). No significant difference in the levels of blood serum haemoglobin, glucose, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and albumin were observed among the three treatments indicate that feeding milk replacer has no effect on these blood components.

Hypomagnesemia as a possible explanation behind episodes of severe pain in cancer patients receiving palliative care

Within an oncology setting, certain chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, may lead to magnesium loss causing nephropathy. Neurological and cardiovascular symptoms caused by hypomagnesaemia are well known. The relationship between serious hypomagnesemia and severe pain is not well documented but nevertheless, when faced with unexplained episodes of pain which do not respond to powerful analgesics, it is important to review blood magnesium levels. We present two cases of opioid-refractory pain attacks. Patients received drugs which have been linked to hypomagnesemia. In both cases, endovenous magnesium replacement led to a drastic improvement in pain management.

Blood Phosphorus and Magnesium Levels in 130 Elite Track and Field Athletes

This study tested the clinical utility and relevance of serum phosphorus and magnesium as markers possibly useful to monitor training in athletes. Phosphorus and magnesium serum concentrations of 130 elite track and field athletes (65 males and 65 females, age range 20-30 years) from the National Athletics Sports Medicine Center database in Thessaloniki, Greece were measured. Abnormal results were found in 61 (47%) athletes (32 men and 29 women). In male athletes, serum phosphate was higher than normal in 18% and decreased in 1.5%, whereas serum magnesium concentration was higher in 26%, and lower in 3%. Regarding female athletes, higher serum phosphate and magnesium levels were detected in 26% and 17% respectively, whereas decreased serum magnesium was found in 3%. The most common alterations were higher serum phosphate (29/61, 47%) and magnesium concentrations (28/61, 46%). Abnormalities of serum phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were detected in almost half of the athletes. Hyperphosphataemia and hypermagnesaemia were the most common abnormalities. The reference intervals used for general population cannot be used for athletes. Given the lack of pathological manifestations, the physiopathological significance of these findings is uncertain. Further studies on the interpretation of reported ion concentrations in athletes should take in account the type of sport practiced and also the possible variations during the training and competition season.

Umbilical artery pH may be a possible confounder for neonatal adverse outcomes in preterm infants exposed to antenatal magnesium

Objectives: To determine the normal range of ionized magnesium (IMg) levels in cord blood during preterm gestation and to investigate whether antenatal Mg administration affects neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Methods: In this retrospective case–control study, we reviewed 118 pregnant women with antenatal Mg administration and their infants after they gave birth at one tertiary care center between January 2006 and December 2010. Thirty-seven cases with IVH and/or PDA were compared to 81 controls by multiple logistic regression analysis. The normal range of IMg levels was determined by another 79 subjects without any tocolytic agents and possible confounders. Perinatal and neonatal characteristics were then compared between three groups divided by the IMg levels in cord serum. Results: The normal range of IMg levels in cord blood was determined to be 0.47 ± 0.07 mmol/L, regardless of gestational weeks. IMg level in cord serum could not be a risk factor for IVH or PDA. Elevation of IMg level in cord blood resulted in an increased incidence of IVH and a decreased incidence of PDA, but not significantly. IMg level in cord blood was inversely correlated with umbilical artery pH (p = 0.067). Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between the IMg levels in cord serum and neonatal IVH and PDA. Umbilical artery pH may be a possible confounder.

Relationship Of Connective Tissue Dysplasia And Hypomagnesemia In Genesis Of Juvenile Dysmenorrhea

It was studied the relationship of connective tissue state with magnesium and hydroxyproline levels in blood and urine of young women with primary dysmenorrhea. Study showed that in girls with dysmenorrhea and phenomena of connective tissue dysplasia hydroxyproline level in urine was increased which was associated with increased degradation of collagen and decreased level of magnesium in blood serum. This should be noted in differentiated approach to the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Blood Magnesium levels in migraineurs within and between the headache attacks: a case control study

Blood Magnesium levels in migraineurs within and between the headache attacks: a case control study

Correlation of magnesium levels in cord blood and maternal serum among pre‐eclamptic pregnant women treated with magnesium sulfate

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between cord blood and maternal serum magnesium levels among pre-eclamptic pregnant women treated with magnesium sulfate. A total of 36 pregnant women, >28weeks' gestation, diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and treated with magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4) ), were enrolled. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were obtained immediately after delivery and sent for determination of magnesium and calcium levels. Mean maternal age was 27.4±6.4years and mean gestational age was 38.1±1.8weeks. Most were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (94.5%), others had HELLP syndrome. Mean total MgSO(4) the women received was 14.4±6.0g and mean duration of treatment was 5.1±3.3h. Mean maternal serum and cord blood magnesium levels were 2.2±0.4 and 1.8±0.3mmol/L, respectively. Maternal magnesium and calcium levels showed significant positive correlation with their levels in cord blood (P<0.001). Significant positive correlation was found between total dose as well as duration of MgSO4 and maternal and cord blood magnesium levels (P<0.001) but was inversely correlated with maternal and cord blood calcium levels. Maternal serum magnesium and calcium levels were correlated with cord blood levels in pre-eclamptic pregnant women who received MgSO4 therapy.

Association of Cord Blood Magnesium Concentration and Neonatal Resuscitation

To assess the relationship between umbilical cord blood magnesium concentration and level of delivery room resuscitation received by neonates. This was a secondary analysis of a controlled fetal neuroprotection trial that enrolled women at imminent risk for delivery between 24 and 31 weeks' gestation and randomly allocated them to receive either intravenous magnesium sulfate or placebo. The cohort included 1507 infants with data available on total cord blood Mg concentration and delivery room resuscitation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association between cord blood Mg concentration and highest level of delivery room resuscitation, using the following hierarchy: none, oxygen only, bag-mask ventilation with oxygen, intubation, and chest compressions. There was no relationship between cord blood Mg and delivery room resuscitation (OR, 0.92 for each 1.0-mEq/L increase in Mg; 95% CI, 0.83-1.03). Maternal general anesthesia was associated with increased neonatal resuscitation (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.72-3.68). Each 1-week increase in gestational age at birth was associated with decreased neonatal resuscitation (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.60-0.66). Cord blood Mg concentration does not correlate with the level of delivery room resuscitation of infants exposed to magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection.

Avascular Osteonecrosis and Accompanying Anemia, Leucocytosis, and Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background Avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) is a complication of renal transplantation. In this study, we present 12 cases of AVN associated with renal transplantation. Methods Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with AVN (group I [GI]) were evaluated by using magnetic resonance imaging and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and urine analysis. We evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae. All patients were treated with steroids, cyclosporine, or tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil. Twenty-six RTRs (GII) without AVN were randomly selected as control subjects. Results The mean ages of GI and GII, were 33.81 ± 6.72 and 34.00 ± 7.65 years respectively ( P > .05). The mean interval between transplantation and development of AVN was 12.08 ± 6.48 months. Although levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, and parathyroidhormone, as well as glucocorticoid doses in the first 12 months were similar in GI and GII, there were significant differences in serum alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin levels, and white blood cell count between GI and GII ( P < .05 for each). BMD T score <−1.5 was observed in 8/9 GI and 15/26 patients in GII. All of the patients with AVN except 1, were followed with conservative measures including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D replacement therapies, bisphosphonate, and reduced or ceased glucocorticoid treatment. Although T scores of the femoral head were similar in GI and GII, the lumbar vertebral T score was significantly lower in GI than in GII ( P < .052). Conclusion AVN developed within the first year after transplantation. Decreased lumbar vertebral BMD, which can be an indicator of glucocorticoid effect, accompanied AVN in nearly all patients. Despite the absence of renal dysfunction, increased bone destruction, anemia, and leucocytosis were coincidental or accompanying findings in our patients with AVN.

A case of hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is a common disorder in the elderly, affecting 10% of the elderly population as a whole, 18% of those in hospital and 36% of those in long-term care [1, 2]. Many conditions can lead to hypocalcemia in adults young and old, e.g. primary hypoparathyroidism, chronic renal failure, gastrointestinal diseases (such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease), drugs (particularly diuretics, bisphosphonates and antiepileptics), acute pancreatitis and thyroid surgery. Rare causes of hypocalcemia include isolated vitamin 1.25(OH)D3 deficiency or vitamin 1.25(OH)D3 resistance. Another, often neglected cause of hypocalcemia relating to functional parathyroid deficiency is hypomagnesemia. Magnesium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are closely related, since the latter promotes magnesium reabsorption in the kidney, while mild hypomagnesemia (Mg [ 1.2 mg/dl) induces PTH secretion via a protein called CaSR (G protein) expressed particularly by the parathyroid glands. On the other hand, if blood magnesium levels drop below 1.2 mg/dl, the alpha subunit of the G protein is activated, and this leads to a decline in PTH secretion. This process is called a ‘‘paradoxical block’’ [3]. We report on a case of severe hypocalcemia in a 76-year old woman with hypomagnesemia and normal PTH levels. She was hospitalized at the Geriatric Department of the University of Padua for biliary colic: on admission the calcium level was 4.0 mg/dl. Cardiovascular examination showed a normal jugular venous pressure and normal heart sounds, with no murmurs or pericardial friction rub. Respiratory examination identified some crackling, compatible with mild cardiac failure, probably emphasized by the patient’s hypocalcemic state. Abdominal examination revealed nothing of note, with no Murphy or Blumberg signs. The patient was also negative for Trousseau’s and Chvostek’s signs. An electrocardiogram obtained on admission showed chronic atrial fibrillation with a mean rate of 78 bpm and an abnormal QTc interval (520 ms), with a severe risk of torsades de pointes. The patient had undergone total hip replacement for coxarthrosis in 2008, and had been on anticoagulant therapy for chronic atrial fibrillation since 2008. Her medical history was negative for any use of hypocalcemia-inducing medication (e.g. diuretics or bisphosphonates). Dietary assessment based on a modified version of the diet history questionnaire [4] indicated a low calorie intake (about 943 kcal), with a daily intake of 600 mg of calcium, 130 mg of magnesium and 54 IU of vitamin D3. After several episodes of lower back pain, she had undergone a computed imaging (CT scan) of the spine in 2006, which revealed osteopenia and major signs of arthrosis. Given the radiological evidence of osteopenia, she also had performed a DEXA (the T score was 2 for the lumbar spine and 1 for the total hip) and lumbosacral spine X-ray study with morphometry, which ruled out any collapse of the vertebrae. As shown in Table 1, on admission the patient had severe hypocalcemia (total calcium 4.0 mg/dl; free calcium 2.00 mg/dl), mild hyperphosphatemia, hypocalciuria and hypophosphaturia, with severe hypomagnesemia (1.4 mg/ dl), low vitamin 25(OH)D3 (\4 ng/ml) and normal PTH levels (60 ng/l). N. Veronese F. Bolzetta M. Mosele E. Manzato G. Sergi Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Geriatrics, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy

Determination of Magnesium in whole Blood and Serum of Ischemic Heart Disease(IHD) Patients by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of magnesium in whole blood and serum of ischemic heart disease patients and control with different ages and sex was proposed. The limiting interfering phosphate/magnesium ratio have been estimates.2%w/v AlCl3.6H2O was found to be very influential in removing phosphate interference effects. The detection limit was 0.065 μg/mL .Magnesium added to blood and serum sample, and carried through this method may be recovered completely (96% - 100%) recovery percentage. The suggested method is simple, fast and selective. The statistical analysis of magnesium levels in blood and serum showed that blood and serum magnesium levels in patients were lower than magnesium contents of control group. Magnesium levels in blood and serum of males were significantly lower than females and the magnesium levels were age independent. These findings indicates that there was an association between blood and serum magnesium deficiency which can induce an entire array of path physiological phenomena known to be important in ischemic heart disease.

Efficacy and Safety of Sodium Phosphate for Colon Cleansing in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The need for colonoscopy is common among diabetic patients. However, there are no standards per se for bowel preparation in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sodium phosphate (NaP), and the quality of bowel cleansing in relation to glycemic control and late complications. A total of 50 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients and 50 non-diabetic patients underwent bowel preparation by NaP. Fasting blood glucose, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium, and creatinine levels were measured on the procedure day. Patients were given a tolerability questionnaire regarding symptoms. With regard to bowel preparation quality, optimal bowel cleansing was achieved in 35 (70%) diabetic and 47 (94%) non-diabetic patients (P = 0.002). Abdominal pain or discomfort during and an hour after the procedure was similar in both groups (P >0.05). The changes in Na, K, Ca, P and creatinine levels after NaP use did not reach statistical significance between the groups (P >0.05). In the diabetic patients, there was a significant correlation between the quality of bowel cleansing and mean age, duration of diabetes mellitus, level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose level, and diabetic late complications (P <0.05). These data suggest that NaP is safe and tolerable in diabetic patients, but the quality of bowel cleansing is worse than in non-diabetic patients. These observations support the concept that the quality of bowel cleansing in those with type 2 diabetes is closely related to the duration and regulation of the disease and the presence of late complications.

The relation between blood and tissue magnesium levels and development of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of cardiovascular surgery and its mechanisms are not well understood. The aim of our study was a prospective investigation of the relationship between AF development and tissue or blood magnesium levels. This prospective observational study evaluated 20 patients undergoing elective initial coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Right atrial appendage and skeletal muscle samples were obtained for tissue magnesium level analysis before, during (at 60th minute) and 30 minutes after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with simultaneous blood samples. Daily measurements of blood Mg levels and continuous monitoring for AF were performed for 7 postoperative days. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, independent samples t and Chi-square tests. AF developed in 5 out of 20 patients during postoperative period (25%). Patients with or without AF did not differ in terms of tissue and blood magnesium levels during and early after CPB and during 7 days after the operation. Blood magnesium levels were significantly higher in the whole study population on postoperative days 3 through 7 (day 3 - 1.13±0.11 mmol/L; day 4-, 1.18±0.07 mmol/L; day 5-1.15±0.10 mmol/L; day 6-1.17±0.08 mmol/L; and day 7, 1.22±0.08 mmol/L) compared to day 1 and day 2 (day 1-0.96±0.13 mmol/L and day 2-1.02±0.12 mmol/L; p=0.002 for all comparisons). Although patients with and without AF did not significantly differ with regard to blood and tissue magnesium levels, the coincidence of an early postoperative reduction in magnesium levels in all patients and occurrence of all AF incidences at this time period suggests a potential association deserving further investigation.

Evolution of blood magnesium and phosphorus ion levels following thyroidectomy and correlation with total calcium values.

magnesium ion concentration is directly related and phosphorus ion concentration is inversely related to calcemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of magnesium and phosphorus ion levels in patients undergoing thyroidectomy and correlate these with changes to calcium concentration. prospective study at the Alpha Institute of Gastroenterology, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. the study included 333 patients, of both genders and mean age 45 ± 15 years, who underwent thyroidectomy between 2000 and 2005. Total calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were measured in the blood preoperatively and 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Ionic changes were evaluated according to the presence or absence of postoperative hypocalcemia. there were statistically significant drops in blood phosphorus levels 24 and 48 hours after thyroidectomy, compared with preoperative values, in the patients without hypocalcemia. In the patients who developed hypocalcemia, there was a significant drop in plasma phosphorus on the first postoperative day and an increase (also statistically significant) on the second day, in relation to preoperative phosphorus levels. A significant drop in postoperative magnesium was also observed on the first and second days after thyroidectomy in the patients with hypocalcemia, in relation to preoperative levels. In the patients without hypocalcemia, the drop in magnesium was significant on the first day, but there was no difference on the second day. despite the postoperative changes, neither magnesium nor phosphorus ion levels had any role in post-thyroidectomy calcemia.

The Effect of Oral Magnesium Therapy on Visual Field and Ocular Blood Flow in Normotensive Glaucoma

To evaluate the effect of oral magnesium therapy on ocular blood flow and visual field perimetry indices in patients with normotensive glaucoma (NTG). Fifteen patients with NTG (study group) received 300 mg oral magnesium citrate for 1 month, while 15 patients with NTG (control group) received no treatment. Blood magnesium level measurement, visual field analysis, and color Doppler imaging of the orbital vessels were done before treatment and at 1 month. In the study group, mean deviation improved from -3.7+/-1.9 (mean +/- standard deviation) at baseline to -2.5+/-1.8 at 1 month (p<0.05), and pattern standard deviation improved from 3.6+/-2.3 at baseline to 2.8+/-2.6 at 1 month (p<0.05). Color Doppler imaging indices did not change after magnesium therapy. Oral magnesium therapy may provide improvement in the visual field, but does not seem to affect ocular blood flow in patients with NTG. Other mechanism than increased ocular blood flow may be responsible for the improvement in the visual field with oral magnesium therapy.

Arginase activity and magnesium levels in blood of children with diabetes mellitus

Under physiological conditions insulin controls the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by a disturbance in the intermediary metabolism of glucose and glucose-induced insulin release. Arginase (L-arginine amidinohydrolase, EC 3.5.3.1) modulates nitric oxide synthase activity by regulating intracellular L-arginine availability. In diabetes mellitus, a decrease in nitric oxide bioavailability is a central mechanism for endothelial dysfunction. The aim of our study was to assess arginase activity in the blood of children with diabetes mellitus. Blood arginase activity, serum glucose (14.155 +/- 4.197 mmol/L; p < .001) and blood HbA1c (11.222 +/- 3.186 %; p < .001), were significantly higher in diabetic children than in healthy controls, whereas the magnesium (Mg2+) level, a cofactor of many enzymes, was significantly lower (0.681 +/- 0.104 micromol; p < .001). In diabetic children, arginase activity, hyperglycemia (r = 0.143), and the HbA1, level (r = 0.381) showed a positive correlation between but a negative correlation between Mg2+ and arginase activity (r= -0.206). The higher arginase activity and the lower Mg2+' levels in diabetic children could be a consequence of reduced insulin action and increased protein catabolic processes in these pathophysiological conditions. The inverse directions of arginase activity and serum Mg2+ levels are in agreement with this concept.

Urine Iodine Levels in Preeclamptic and Normal Pregnant Women

The aim of this study was to investigate the urine iodine concentration in women with severe preeclampsia and in healthy women in Erzurum, Turkey. Urine specimens were obtained from 40 severe preeclampsia and 18 healthy pregnant women. Urinary iodine levels were determined by the Foss method based on the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. The urinary iodine level for women with severe preeclampsia was 4.25 +/- 2.7 microg/dL, lower than 20.89 +/- 6.4 microg/dL of urinary iodine for healthy pregnant women (p < 0.001). Blood magnesium concentration was found to be 1.63 +/- 0.05 mg/dL for women with severe preeclampsia, which is lower than that of healthy pregnant women (1.87 +/- 0.05 mg/dL; p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between urinary iodine level and blood magnesium level in pregnant women with preeclampsia (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.43; p < 0.01). However, there was no correlation between urinary iodine level and blood magnesium level in healthy pregnant women. There was no difference in thyroid hormone levels (T4, TSH, FT4) between women with severe preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women. However, there was a difference in T3 thyroid hormone levels between women with severe preeclampsia (1.86 +/- 0.4 microg/dL) and healthy pregnant women (1.45 +/- 0.3 microg/dL; p < 0.001). There was also a difference in FT3 between women with severe preeclampsia (2.77 +/- 0.4 pg/mL) and healthy pregnant women (2.41 +/- 0.5 microg/dL; p < 0.01). Urinary iodine excretion is currently the most convenient laboratory marker of iodine deficiency. The method is useful for the rapid and low-cost assessment of iodine deficiency. Our results suggested that urinary iodine concentration might be a useful marker for prediagnosing preeclamptic women. In addition, iodine supplementation may also be considered for preeclamptic therapy.