Torunska K1, Palinska-Saadi A2, Suska A2, Ordak M3, Maj-Zurawska M2

1 Private Neurologist Practice
2 University of Warsaw
3 Medical University of Warsaw, Poland

Latent tetany (spasmophilia) is becoming more and more prevalent in society. Tetany latent pathology, wherein the substrate is an increase in the excitability of the nerve-muscle, follows magnesium deficiencies and/or hyperventilation. While overt signs of tetany are widely known and attacks are easy to recognize, the latent tetany (spasmophilia) is usually detected by chance in apparently healthy people, complaining on very unusual symptoms from the various organs and systems.

Latent tetany signs are resulting from reduction intracellular magnesium concentration and not from reduction serum magnesium concentration. At this moment, this illness can be identified on the basis of ischemic test. Much more reliable test results on the basis of determination ionized magnesium in erythrocytes.

Until now, we have examined more than 700 patients with spasmophilia confirmed by the ischemic test. We have found the concentration of electrolytes within normal range in blood plasma. However, ionized calcium concentration is significantly lower compared to the control group. The ratio of total magnesium to total calcium concentration is mostly too low. The concentration of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D is in lower level of normal range. In erythrocytes, ionized magnesium and total magnesium concentrations are significantly lower compared to the control group.

 

Tosunska Tabelle englisch

 

Mann-Whitney U test:
- iCa in blood plasma, U=6223.5; p<0.001
- TotMg in erythrocytes, U=11953.5; p<0.001
- iMg in erythrocytes, U=3458.5; p<0.001
Ionized calcium concentration in erythrocytes seems to be in higher level of normal range. Total calcium concentration is in lower level of normal range. Potassium concentration is mainly under normal range.
Our research proved the usefulness of both total and ionized magnesium concentration in erythrocytes as parameters to evaluate spasmophilia. These parameters can be also helpful in observing effects of the therapy.