Magnesium and zinc levels in blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid in children with febrile convulsions

Abstract Magnesium and zinc levels in blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid were estimated in 18 children aged 8 months-5 years with febrile convulsions. Control group consisted of 15 apparently healthy children in the same age. On the ground of ethical reasons no control values for cerebrospinal fluid were evaluated. The mean serum concentration of magnesium and zinc was significantly lower in the sick children (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 resp.). The magnesium levels in cerebrospinal fluid were evidently lower than those quoted in the literature and the mean concentration of zinc was higher in comparison with literature data. The presumable pathogenetic role of disturbed magnesium and zinc metabolism in febrile convulsions is discussed.