Magnesium as a neuroprotective agent for neonates and children with neurological diseases

Magnesium, an endogenous calcium channel antagonist of neuronal synapses, is considered as that it could prevent the influence of excessive activation of excitatory amino acids on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, and stop calcium influx so as to prevent neurons apoptosis; on the other hand, magnesium can down-regulate the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. For its important function to the nervous system, this article reviews the neuroprotective effects of magnesium ions on preterm infants and children with neurological diseases. Key words: Magnesium; Child; Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; Febrile seizure; Epilepsy