SERUM MAGNESIUM LEVEL

COMPARISON BETWEEN HEALTHY AND MALNOURISHED CHILDREN

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate serum magnesium level in children with 3rd degree malnutrition and to compare these values with healthy children. Study Design: Cross sectional comparative study. Setting and Duration: Pediatric Department of Allied Hospital Faisalabad from Oct. 2003 to Nov. 2004. Subjects: Cases: 60 children of age six month to five year having weight < 60% of that for age. Control: 60 healthy children of age six month to five year having weight > 80% of that for age. Methods: Both cases & controls were selected from indoor & outdoor through simple random sampling. Detailed history & examination was done and S/Mg level were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS by applying T test and was presented by frequency tables. Results: The cases showed decreased S/Mg level (1.11+/- 0.24 mg/dl) as compared to controls (2.01+/- 0.78mg/dl).S/Mg levels were also decreased in cases with height < 80 % of that for age (0.98+/-0.5mg/dl) as compared to controls having height > 90 % of that for age. S/Mg levels were markedly low in cases who had low albumin level (0.98+/- 0.05 mg/dl) and those children who presented with persistent diarrhea (0.96+/-0.12mg/dl) Conclusion: S/Mg levels were decreased in children with PEM as compared to those with age and sex matched control. This decrease in S/Mg
levels was marked in those cases who had decrease serum albumin level and persistent diarrhea.