Magnesium in Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome
Insights
Children with active nephrotic syndrome (NS) show significantly lower serum magnesium (Mg) levels compared to healthy children. Monitoring Mg levels may aid in diagnosing and treating acute nephropathy in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Renal Medicine
Background:
- Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a complex kidney disorder affecting children.
- The role of serum magnesium (Mg) in the pathophysiology and progression of NS requires further elucidation.
- Understanding electrolyte imbalances is crucial for managing pediatric renal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum Mg concentration in pediatric patients diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.
- To investigate the relationship between serum Mg levels and the acute phase of nephropathy in children.
- To explore the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of Mg variations in NS.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving 27 children (2-17 years) with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) during first episode or relapse.
- Serum and urinary levels of magnesium (Mg) were assessed alongside other renal function markers (urea, creatinine, protein, cholesterol).
- A control group of 14 healthy children with normal renal function was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Significantly decreased serum Mg levels were observed in the active NS group compared to the control group.
- Patients with NS in the acute phase exhibited lower Mg concentrations.
- Renal histopathology in steroid-responsive patients showed minimal mesangial changes, IgM nephropathy, and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis.
Conclusions:
- Serum and urinary Mg level variations in children with acute nephropathy may serve as valuable indicators.
- Monitoring Mg levels could potentially aid in the early diagnosis of acute nephropathy in pediatric NS.
- Findings suggest that Mg assessment may contribute to improving therapeutic strategies for NS.
Aim:
In the present study, we aimed to evaluate serum Mg concentration in children with nephrotic syndrome and highlight the relationship between Mg concentration and acute nephropathy.
Material And Methods:
We conducted a clinical study in 27 patients, aged 2 to 17 years, admitted to the Nephrology clinic of the Iasi "Sf. Maria" Children′s Hospital between 2011-2015, with the diagnosis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS), first episode or relapse. In each patient, we investigated serum urea and creatinine, total cholesterol, total serum proteins, serum magnesium, urinary proteins, creatinine clearance and renal histopathology. We also used a control group of 14 children with normal renal function.
Results:
12 patients had NS in the acute phase, 6 steroid responsive and 6 steroid resistant. The remaining 15 patients were in the remission phase of NS, 7 steroid responsive and 8 steroid resistant. Significantly decreased serum Mg levels were found in NS active group compared to control group. Renal histopathological analysis in steroid responsive patients revealed the following pathological aspects: optically normal glomeruli (1 case), minimal mesangial changes (5 cases), IgM nephropathy (4 cases), mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (4 cases).
Conclusions:
The variations of serum and urinary Mg levels in children with acute nephropathy may be useful for early diagnosis and improving therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism


