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Serum magnesium concentration in children with functional constipation treated with magnesium oxide

Maiko Tatsuki1, Reiko Miyazawa, Takeshi Tomomasa

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Daily magnesium oxide for constipation in children increased serum magnesium levels, but not critically. This study found no associated side effects in children with normal kidney function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Functional constipation is common in children.
  • Magnesium oxide is a frequently used laxative.
  • Hypermagnesemia has been reported in adults using magnesium oxide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the risk of hypermagnesemia in children with functional constipation treated with daily magnesium oxide.
  • To assess serum magnesium levels in pediatric patients receiving magnesium oxide therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 120 children (aged 1-14 years) with functional constipation treated with oral magnesium oxide.
  • Assessment included interviews and laboratory tests to measure serum magnesium concentration.
  • Comparison with a control group of 38 age- and sex-matched healthy children.

Main Results:

  • Children with constipation had significantly higher serum magnesium levels than controls (2.4 vs. 2.2 mg/dL).
  • Serum magnesium levels decreased with age in the constipation group.
  • No correlation was found between magnesium levels, treatment duration, or dose; no hypermagnesemia side effects were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Daily magnesium oxide treatment in constipated children with normal renal function leads to a significant increase in serum magnesium.
  • The observed increase in serum magnesium was not clinically critical.
  • Further monitoring for potential long-term effects may be warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenConstipationHypermagnesemiaMagnesium oxideRenal dysfunction

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