Depressive state and paresthesia dramatically improved by intravenous MgSO4 in Gitelman's syndrome

Intern Med. 2004 May;43(5):410-4. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.43.410.

Abstract

A 69-year-old woman was referred to our department for evaluation of hypokalemia, which had been treated by oral potassium for more than ten years. She complained of headache, knee joint pain, sleeplessness and paresthesia in extremities and, most prominently, depression. Laboratory data suggested Gitelman's syndrome, which is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter. Direct sequencing of the gene in this patient revealed homozygous mutation R964Q in exon 25. Intravenous supplement of MgSO4 dramatically improved both the depression and the paresthesia, suggesting that hypomagnesemia played a role in the clinical manifestations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alkalosis / diagnosis
  • Bartter Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyperaldosteronism / diagnosis
  • Hypocalcemia / diagnosis
  • Hypokalemia / diagnosis
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Magnesium Deficiency / diagnosis
  • Magnesium Deficiency / prevention & control*
  • Magnesium Sulfate / administration & dosage*
  • Paresthesia / diagnosis
  • Paresthesia / drug therapy*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Magnesium Sulfate