Hypomagnesaemia due to chronic use of Proton Pump Inhibitor: case report

Abstract

Design of the study: Case report. Objectives: To present, through a case report, a framework of symptomatic hypomagnesaemia associated with hypocalcemia induced by the use of Omeprazole for a long period of time. Methods: Study of clinical and laboratory findings associated with the discussion of the multifactorial origin of the problem in question. Results: The patient depicted in this study showed clinical signs of magnesium depletion or deficiency, evidenced by seizures, tremors, cramps and paresthesias. Blood tests for monitoring of admission revealed low levels of calcium (8,0 mg/dL) and magnesium (0,94 mg/dL), with values of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine and vitamin D within normal limits. The patient was using Omeprazole at admission. After the withdrawal of Omeprazole, serum magnesium returned to normal range and clinical ceased. Relevance: Hypomagnesaemia is a clinical condition of difficult to diagnose and rarely appears as a differential diagnosis. Chronic administration of proton pump inhibitors represents one of the possible genesis of this change of magnesium and should be considered as a potential cause of harm and should be promptly identified and treated with the suspension of the inhibitor.