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A role for magnesium in neonatal parathyroid gland function?
J L Loughead1, F Mimouni, R C Tsang
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Magnesium levels in newborns directly influence parathyroid hormone (PTH) response to low calcium. Adequate magnesium supports healthy PTH secretion, potentially preventing neonatal hypocalcemia.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
- Mineral metabolism
Background:
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulation in neonates is poorly understood.
- Serum ionized calcium (iCa) and magnesium (Mg) are critical for PTH secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum magnesium concentrations and parathyroid hormone response to decreasing serum ionized calcium in normal newborns.
Main Methods:
- Studied 27 term infants, measuring serum iCa, PTH, and Mg at birth and 24 hours.
- Utilized ion selective electrode for iCa, radioimmunoassay for PTH, and atomic absorption for Mg.
Main Results:
- Observed decreasing iCa and increasing Mg and PTH levels over the first 24 hours.
- Found a direct correlation between the change in PTH and both cord blood and 24-hour Mg concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal parathyroid gland function, specifically the PTH response to decreasing iCa, is directly linked to magnesium status.
- Neonatal hypomagnesemia may impair PTH secretion, contributing to early neonatal hypocalcemia.