HYPOMAGNESEMIC TETANY

Hypomagnesaemic tetany (hypomagnesaemic tetany with secondary hypocalc aemia) is a rare inherited form of hypomagnesaemia. Initial reports in volved affected males only; however, affected females have also been r eported. The case of a child with hypomagnesaemic tetany is described, the biochemical and genetic aspects of this condition are reviewed an d the importance of the assessment of renal magnesium excretion in pat ients presenting with hypomagnesaemia is highlighted.