A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for unresponsiveness and hypotension. She had developed constipation that had led to ileus and had received 34 g of magnesium citrate (Magcolol P®) orally the day before. She was... more
A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for unresponsiveness and hypotension. She had developed constipation that had led to ileus and had received 34 g of magnesium citrate (Magcolol P®) orally the day before. She was lethargic, her blood pressure was less than 50 mmHg, and electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed sinus ar- rest with junctional escape rhythm. Her serum concentration of magnesium (Mg) was markedly elevated (16.6 mg/dl =13.7 mEq/l). Emergency colonoscopy revealed ischemic colitis. As her condition ameliorated, her renal function returned to normal. Hence, the present case suggests that severe hypermagnesemia can occur in the absence of pre-existing renal dysfunction in elderly patients with gastrointestinal diseases. (Internal Medicine 44: 448–452, 2005)
Background: Magnesium is an essential electrolyte in the body and levels may often be elevated in certain patients. Severe hypermagnesemia is a rare syndrome that results in neuromuscular and cardiovascular effects. Methods: A PUBMED... more
Background: Magnesium is an essential electrolyte in the body and levels may often be elevated in certain patients. Severe hypermagnesemia is a rare syndrome that results in neuromuscular and cardiovascular effects. Methods: A PUBMED search of cases of severe hypermagnesemia was conducted from the year 2000 onwards. Results: Eleven cases were found of severe hypermagnesemia. All 11 cases were due to administration of magnesium and eight of these were oral ingestion. Despite haemodialysis, three of the 11 cases resulted in death and one suffered hypoxic encephalopathy. Conclusion: Severe hypermagnesemia is a rare cause for neuromuscular and cardiovascular presentations. Clinicians should be aware of this risk when administering or prescribing magnesium.
