IntroductionOral and intravenous replacement of minerals such as magnesium and calcium are usually straightforward in clinical practice, the choice generally being governed by the preparation most readily available. There are very few data comparing efficacy and absorption profiles of different magnesium salts. This case report highlights the importance of considering alternative preparations of oral magnesium salts in patients who appear unresponsive to one preparation, rather than moving on to chronic intravenous therapy via a Hickman line. In the case of patients with small bowel shortening, the use of magnesium oxide should be considered.

Case reportA 39 year old Jamaican woman presented with a three day history of paraesthesia and cramps in her hands and feet. Her past medical history included an emergency laparotomy for a septic abortion resulting in extensive resection of both the small and large bowel, ileostomy formation, a left nephrectomy, and a hysterectomy. This surgery had . . . [Full text of this article]