A study of magnesium metabolism in acute renal failure employing a multichannel flame spectrometer

Hypomagnesemic seizures: case report and presumed pathophysiology

Hypomagnesemia has previously been recognized as an uncommon cause of seizures. The electrolyte abnormality is caused by poor gastrointestinal absorption or excessive renal wasting, both from a variety of causes. We report on a 5-week-old patient who developed hypomagnesemic seizures as a consequence of renal magnesium wasting. Although the exact pathophysiology of hypomagnesemic seizures remains uncertain, currently available information suggests that it is related to disinhibition of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor-sodium channel complex.

The determination of magnesium in biological fluids and tissues by flame spectrophotometry

A flame spectrophotometric method for estimating magnesium in biological fluids and tissues is described. It may be applied to the Zeiss spectrophotometer PMQ II with flame attachment. Interferences are small, and recoveries from plasma and urine and from ashed faeces, soft tissue, and bone are satisfactory. Calcium can be measured on the same dilutions of plasma and urine and faecal ash. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium can be estimated on the same dilutions of soft tissue and bone ash. The plasma magnesium concentration of normal subjects falls within a narrow range. Differences between mean normal values previously reported may be partly attributed to the magnesium salt used in preparation of standard solutions.

The estimation of magnesium in small biological samples by flame spectrophotometry

Studies of human magnesium metabolism in this laboratory called for a simple and reliable method of estimating the magnesium content of large numbers of small biological specimens (Montgomery, 1960). It has been found that a technique involving the Unicam S.P. 900 flame spectrophotometer fulfils this need. Estimations have been made on serum, red cells, urine, and acid digests of muscle and faeces. A standard instrument was used, burning acetylene and air, with a new standard atomiser containing a metal jet. Readings were made at the atomic line of 285.2 mmu.

Plasma magnesium in health and disease

Simpler and more accurate flame spectrophotometric techniques are now available for estimating magnesium. Because of the development of modern electrolyte therapy, cases of hypo-magnesaemia are now encountered more frequently. The condition may lead to dangerous convulsions without sufficient warning. Some causes of hypomagnesaemia and hypermagnesaemia are presented.

Magnesium: physiology, clinical disorders, and therapy

Magnesium imbalance is clinically significant. It is common, treatable, and frequently overlooked. We review the literature describing magnesium deficit and excess syndromes and formulate specific treatment protocols.

Electrocardiographic Changes during Hemodialysis with the Artificial Kidney

In a series of 63 hemodialyses with the artificial kidney, digitalis had been administered 30 times. The occurrence of digitalis intoxication is discussed and the results of treatment are analyzed.