Which of the following is a common cause of hypomagnesemia?

Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood. Among the options presented, pancreatitis is recognized as a common cause of hypomagnesemia.

In cases of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas can lead to decreased absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, including magnesium. The inflammation can also result in an increased loss of magnesium through the urine due to various physiological mechanisms triggered by the disease, such as alterations in renal handling of electrolytes. Moreover, during acute pancreatitis, there may be an increased demand for magnesium in the process of metabolic regulation and cellular repair, further exacerbating the deficiency.

While diabetes insipidus and cirrhosis can affect electrolyte levels and balance, they are not primarily associated with causing hypomagnesemia. In chronic renal failure, magnesium levels are often preserved or even elevated due to impaired excretion rather than being markedly low. Understanding these underlying mechanisms can help in diagnosing and managing patients with hypomagnesemia effectively.