Ratzmann GW¹, Lühder H, Jeran I, Ratzmann LK, Seer OR

Investigations in parents (15 female, 6 male) of 15 children/adolescents with manifestations of a magnesium-deficiency syndrome showed following results: infant rickets and tetanic and/or febrile convulsions (both 33 %); presence of trophic changes of teeth/gingiva (81 %) and the nails (62 %), a positive Chvostek sign (51 %) and confirmation of latent tetany by a positive VON BONSDORFF-tests in 88 % of the parents. Additionally, measurements of low-normal or decreased serum values for calcium (Ca; < 2.2 mmol/l) and/or magnesium (Mg; < 0.75 mmol/l) were found 47.5 % of determinations (10/21): combined-low Ca and Mg 4x, Ca normal/Mg low 4x, Ca low/Mg normal 2x.

It seems of importance, that 67 % of the parents were neuropsychiatrically contolled or treated (epilepsy/2, uncleared syncope/1, migraine/1, states of severe psycho-vegetative decompensations/signs of psychosis/3, hyperventilatory attacks accompanied by anxiety/panic symptoms/2). - The results show disturbances of the Ca-Mg-metabolism in parents, too, and, on the other hand, connections to other relevant psychiatric syndromes. In summary, these findings underline the existence of heredo-familiar factors.