Concentration of Magnesium in Plasma and Feces of Patients with Cholera

Concentrations of magnesium in plasma were determined in 59 patients with cholera who were divided into four groups for different fluid therapy. On admission, the values were markedly raised compared with the normal in all groups. Following the period of initial rehydration, the values were reduced below the normal. Twenty-four hr after admission, further reduction of the concentration of magnesium in plasma was observed. The degree of reduction was most remarkable in the group on Phillips' regimen. During convalescence, the levels were increased in all groups, but still lower than the normal. Levels of magnesium in plasma were directly correlated with levels of protein and potassium in plasma. Concentrations of magnesium in stools obtained at admission from six children and eight adults were very low compared with other electrolytes. They were one-fifth to one-tenth of the values in plasma. The children had significantly higher values than the adults. It is suggested that on admission there is hypermagnesemia in the presence of magnesium depletion because of severe dehydration.