Magnesium concentration in acute asthmatic children

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.

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.

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<0.001). Plasma Mg levels did not significantly change in acute asthmatics before and after their rescue treatment (1.53±0.33 mmol/L versus 1.68±0.31mmol/L respectively, P=0.07). In contrast, the study detected a significant increase in erythrocytic Mg levels in cases after their treatment from acute attacks (1.06±0.43 mmol/L versus 1.56±0.23 mmol/L respectively, P<0.001), with significant negative correlation with severity of attack (Spearman's rho = -0.647, P<0.001).

Erythrocytic Mg levels were significantly lower during the acute asthma, and were negatively correlated with severity of exacerbation, while plasma Mg did not significantly change. Only erythrocytic Mg levels were significantly elevated after receiving rescue treatment.