Polycythemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia in infants of diabetic mothers
F. Mimouni, R. C. Tsang, V. S. Hertzberg and M. Miodovnik
Hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium concentration, less than 1.5 mg/dL [0.62
mmol/L]) and hypocalcemia (serum calcium concentration, less than 8 mg/dL
[2.00 mmol/L]) have been reported in polycythemic infants, as well as in
infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs). These latter infants are at risk for
neonatal polycythemia (venous hematocrit, greater than or equal to 65%
[0.65]). We tested the hypothesis that neonatal polycythemia in IDMs is
associated with increased serum calcitonin concentration, hypomagnesemia,
and hypocalcemia. Serum magnesium and calcium concentrations were measured
at 24 and 72 hours of age in 76 IDMs; serum calcitonin concentration was
measured at 24 hours of age. Peripheral venous spun hematocrit was measured
between 2 and 4 hours of age. The rates of hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia
were similar in polycythemic and nonpolycythemic IDMs (0% vs 9% and 56% vs
49%, respectively). The serum calcitonin concentration was similar in both
groups. There was no correlation between hematocrit and the serum magnesium
or calcium concentration; a significant association existed between
hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia.
