Hypomagnesemia Health Article

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Table of Contents

Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors References

Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. ; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 08/03/2009

Definition

Hypomagnesemia means low levels of magnesium in the blood.

Alternative Names

Low blood magnesium; Magnesium - low

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Several conditions can cause hypomagnesemia, including:

Alcoholism
Chronic diarrhea
High blood calcium levels
Hyperaldosteronism
Malabsorption
Malnutrition
Use of certain medications including amphotericin, cisplatin, and diuretics
Excessive urination (polyuria)

References

Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 120.

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