The clinical significance of magnesium depletion in thalassemia.

(1) Mg depletion in a population of 14 patients with thalassemia was documented by low serum Mg levels, abnormal Mg tolerance tests, and/or symptoms responsive to Mg therapy. (2) The observation that some degree of Mg depletion was present even in younger asymptomatic patients needs further investigation and suggests that monitoring of Mg status should be included in the routine care of patients with thalassemia. (3) Careful consideration should be given to the possibility that in patients with thalassemia early continuous supplementation with Mg is needed and may have a beneficial influence on the heart's response to chronic Fe overload and chronic hypoxemia.