Clinical Chemistry - Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the major intracellular cations in the body. Its action is closely related to that of calcium. Magnesium deficiency, hypomagnesaemia can result in various neuromuscular disorders, weakness, tremors, tetany and convulsions. It is associated with hypocalcaemia, intravenous therapy, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, dialysis and pregnancy.

Increased serum magnesium levels are associated with dehydration, severe diabetic acidosis and Addison’s Disease. Conditions that interfere with glomerular filtration as in renal failure result in retention of magnesium and hence elevation of serum levels.