Hypomagnesemia during pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation

We evaluated the incidence and severity of serum magnesium (Mg) abnormality along with other electrolyte and acid-base disturbances before and during the course of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in pediatric patients. Serum Mg, Na, K, ionized Ca, pH, and blood gas measurements were performed before and hourly during the course of OLT. Hypomagnesemia was frequently observed in children undergoing OLT. Of a total of 30 recipients, 27 (90%) had hypomagnesemia before surgery; the mean serum Mg value at this time was 0.77±0.15 mmol/L. In most of the recipients, the serum Mg value showed a gradual decrease during the course of OLT until magnesium sulfate supplements were administered. On the other hand, the serum Na, K, and ionized Ca levels and acid-base balance were normal before the beginning of surgery. However, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, a decrease in ionized Ca, and metabolic acidosis were commonly observed during the course of OLT. We conclude that electrolyte abnormalities, including hypomagnesemia and metabolic acidosis, commonly develop in children during the course of OLT. The frequent assessment of electrolytes, pH and blood gases is essential for the correction of these abnormalities during the course of OLT.