Evidence for magnesium deficiency in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has been defined as a requirement for oxygen for more than 28 days because of chronic pulmonary changes, usually in a premature infant. About 50 per cent of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants who weigh 1 kg at birth and who survive 28 days will develop BPD. Since 80 per cent of fetal accretion of magnesium occurs during the third trimester, this population is also at risk for magnesium deficiency. This paper reviews evidence for a role of magnesium deficiency in the pathogenesis of BPD. Pathology in BPD that may be caused or aggravated by magnesium deficiency is noted. Agents or mediators that are increased in BPD and in BPD include: oxygen free radicals; the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha; vaso- and bronchoconstrictors thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and serotonin: vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 (ET-1); and bronchoconstrictor, histamine. Magnesium deficiency increases the susceptibility of cells and tissues to peroxidation, worsens the inflammatory reaction, reduces the immune response, exaggerates catecholamine release in stress, and diminishes energy metabolism. Possibly because of the danger of magnesium toxicity and the difficulty in studying the preterm VLBW neonate, little is known about magnesium supplementation in this group. Such information must be gained through controlled studies on the effect of antepartum exposure to maternally administered magnesium sulphate on the VLBW infant, through carefully monitored postnatal administration of magnesium in an intensive care setting, or through evaluations of combined pre- and postnatal supplementation.