Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case report

Rationale: This case highlights the rare yet critical diagnosis of hypermagnesemia in a preterm infant, who presented with symptoms mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis. It underscores the importance of considering hypermagnesemia as a differential diagnosis in neonatal respiratory distress and gastr...

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Main Authors: K Nimishashree Srinivas, Darshan Rajatadri Rangaswamy, Niranjan Kamble
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2024-11-01
Series:Journal of Acute Disease
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jad.jad_31_24
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author K Nimishashree Srinivas
Darshan Rajatadri Rangaswamy
Niranjan Kamble
author_facet K Nimishashree Srinivas
Darshan Rajatadri Rangaswamy
Niranjan Kamble
author_sort K Nimishashree Srinivas
collection DOAJ
description Rationale: This case highlights the rare yet critical diagnosis of hypermagnesemia in a preterm infant, who presented with symptoms mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis. It underscores the importance of considering hypermagnesemia as a differential diagnosis in neonatal respiratory distress and gastrointestinal symptoms, even when the cause is not immediately apparent. Patient’s Concern: An extremely low birth infant with respiratory distress further had episodes of apnoea and cyanosis. The infant eventually exhibited abdominal distension and bilious vomiting, symptoms mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis. Diagnosis: The infant’s clinical features were attributed to hypermagnesemia, despite no magnesium being administered and no apparent cause identified. Screening the apparently asymptomatic mother confirmed a serum magnesium level of 4 mg/dL, suggesting transplacental transfer as the likely cause of the neonate’s condition. Interventions: The newborn was treated supportively with adequate hydration and maintenance calcium gluconate. Outcomes: Magnesium levels decreased, and the baby showed signs of improvement. Lessons: Hypermagnesemia, though uncommon, should be investigated and considered even when the symptoms are not apparent.
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publishDate 2024-11-01
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spelling doaj-art-f08f989c5bb5450889b42bd7ff7ab80f2025-08-20T02:30:39ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Acute Disease2221-61892589-55162024-11-0113519319510.4103/jad.jad_31_24Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case reportK Nimishashree SrinivasDarshan Rajatadri RangaswamyNiranjan KambleRationale: This case highlights the rare yet critical diagnosis of hypermagnesemia in a preterm infant, who presented with symptoms mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis. It underscores the importance of considering hypermagnesemia as a differential diagnosis in neonatal respiratory distress and gastrointestinal symptoms, even when the cause is not immediately apparent. Patient’s Concern: An extremely low birth infant with respiratory distress further had episodes of apnoea and cyanosis. The infant eventually exhibited abdominal distension and bilious vomiting, symptoms mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis. Diagnosis: The infant’s clinical features were attributed to hypermagnesemia, despite no magnesium being administered and no apparent cause identified. Screening the apparently asymptomatic mother confirmed a serum magnesium level of 4 mg/dL, suggesting transplacental transfer as the likely cause of the neonate’s condition. Interventions: The newborn was treated supportively with adequate hydration and maintenance calcium gluconate. Outcomes: Magnesium levels decreased, and the baby showed signs of improvement. Lessons: Hypermagnesemia, though uncommon, should be investigated and considered even when the symptoms are not apparent.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jad.jad_31_24necrotizing enterocolitissepsispretermrespiratory distresscalcium
spellingShingle K Nimishashree Srinivas
Darshan Rajatadri Rangaswamy
Niranjan Kamble
Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case report
Journal of Acute Disease
necrotizing enterocolitis
sepsis
preterm
respiratory distress
calcium
title Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case report
title_full Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case report
title_fullStr Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case report
title_full_unstemmed Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case report
title_short Hypermagnesemia-induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant: A case report
title_sort hypermagnesemia induced pseudonecrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress in a preterm infant a case report
topic necrotizing enterocolitis
sepsis
preterm
respiratory distress
calcium
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jad.jad_31_24
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AT darshanrajatadrirangaswamy hypermagnesemiainducedpseudonecrotizingenterocolitisandrespiratorydistressinapreterminfantacasereport
AT niranjankamble hypermagnesemiainducedpseudonecrotizingenterocolitisandrespiratorydistressinapreterminfantacasereport