RESUMO
To evaluate serum magnesium level in children with 3rd degree malnutrition and to compare these values with healthy children. Cross sectional comparative study. Pediatric Department of Allied Hospital Faisalabad from Oct. 2003 to Nov. 2004. Cases: 60 children of age six month to five year having weight < 60% of that for age. Control: 60 healthy children of age six month to five year having weight > 80% of that for age. Both cases and controls were selected from indoor and outdoor through simple random sampling. Detailed history and examination was done and S/Mg level were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS by applying T test and was presented by frequency tables. The cases showed decreased S/Mg level [1.11 +/- 0.24 mg/dl] as compared to controls [2.01 +/- 0.78mg/dl].S/Mg levels were also decreased in cases with height < 80% of that for age [0.98 +/- 0.5mg/dl] as compared to controls having height > 90% of that for age. S/Mg levels were markedly low in cases who had low albumin level [0.98 +/- 0.05 mg/dl] and those children who presented with persistent diarrhea [0.96 +/- 0.12mg/dl]. S/Mg levels were decreased in children with PEM as compared to those with age and sex matched control. This decrease in S/Mg levels was marked in those cases who had decrease serum albumin level and persistent diarrhea