Magnesium Concentration in Acute Asthmatic Children

Abstract

Objective: Magnesium (Mg) is thought to be an important element in the pathogenesis of acute asthma attacks. We hypothesized that erythrocytic Mg would be decreased during an acute asthma exacerbation. We aimed at investigating plasma and erythrocytic Mg in acute asthmatic children. Methods: This case-control study included 30 Egyptian outpatients with acute asthma. Thirty healthy matched children were included as controls. All candidates had measurements of plasma and erythrocytic Mg levels before and after treatment. Findings: No significant differences were detected in plasma Mg levels between cases and controls (1.53±0.33 mmol/L versus 1.67±0.50 mmol/L respectively, P =0.2). However, erythrocytic Mg levels were significantly reduced in cases when compared to controls (1.06±0.43 mmol/L versus 2.57±0.59 mmol/L respectively, P