[Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in a cirrhotic patient. Correction of metabolic disorders by magnesium].

The authors report the case of a cirrhotic with severe hypokalemia (2 mEq/l) responding incompletely to attempts at correction by classical treatments. The findings of a serum and red cell magnesium deficiency led to administration of this electrolyte which proved efficacous. They then recall the mechanism of hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in alcoholics, study the possible relationship between these abnormalities, their noxious effects and suggest a treatment.