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Reference values of magnesium and potassium in mononuclear cells and erythrocytes of children
W B Geven1, G M Vogels-Mentink, J L Willems
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Nijmegen, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Magnesium and potassium levels in children
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Establishing reference ranges for intracellular electrolytes is crucial for pediatric health assessment.
- Understanding age-related variations in magnesium and potassium is important for diagnosing and managing pediatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference values for magnesium and potassium in mononuclear cells and erythrocytes across pediatric age groups.
- To investigate the correlation of these electrolytes with age, sex, and serum levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of magnesium and potassium content in mononuclear cells and erythrocytes from cord blood, infants, children, and adolescents.
- Comparison of electrolyte levels between sexes and across different age ranges.
- Correlation analysis with serum magnesium and protein content.
Main Results:
- Mononuclear cell magnesium and potassium showed no significant age or sex differences and did not correlate with serum magnesium.
- Erythrocyte magnesium was lower in newborns and infants, with no correlation to serum magnesium.
- Erythrocyte potassium was independent of age and showed a low correlation with erythrocyte magnesium.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric mononuclear cell electrolyte levels are generally stable and comparable to adult values.
- Erythrocyte magnesium shows a distinct developmental pattern in early life, differing from mononuclear cells.
- Age-independent erythrocyte potassium suggests a different regulatory mechanism compared to mononuclear cells.
Abstract:
Reference values for magnesium and potassium contents of mononuclear cells and erythrocytes were estimated in cord blood and in children from infancy through adolescence. No differences were detected between results for boys and girls. The mononuclear magnesium content was independent of age and was within the adult range of values. No significant correlation was shown between magnesium in serum and in mononuclear cells. Mononuclear potassium also showed no age-related differences. The correlation between magnesium and potassium contents in mononuclear cells was significant: however, the correlation was lower when the magnesium and potassium contents were expressed in terms of protein potent: micromoles or millimoles per gram of protein, respectively. The concentration of magnesium in erythrocytes was significantly lower in cord blood and during the first month of life, compared with that at older ages, and showed no significant correlation with serum magnesium. The concentration of erythrocyte potassium was independent of age and showed a low but significant correlation with erythrocyte magnesium content.