Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hypermagnesemia
Introduction
For patient information, click here
Overview
Overview
Hypermagnesemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of magnesium in the blood. Usually this results in excess of magnesium in the body.
Pathophysiology
Hypermagnesemia occurs rarely because the kidney is very effective in excreting excess magnesium. It usually develops only in people with kidney failure who are given magnesium salts or who take drugs that contain magnesium (e.g. some antacids and laxatives). It is usually concurrent with hypercalcemia and/or hyperkalemia.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Symptoms of hypermagnesemia include weakness, nausea, vomiting and impaired breathing.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];
Historical Perspective
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Pathophysiology
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Overview
Hypermagnesemia occurs rarely because the kidney is very effective in excreting excess magnesium. It usually develops only in people with kidney failure who are given magnesium salts or who take drugs that contain magnesium (e.g. some antacids and laxatives). It is usually concurrent with hypercalcemia and/or hyperkalemia.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Causes
- Since magnesium is excreted through the kidneys, renal failure can result in hypermagnesemia. The most important cause however is suppletion.
- Hemolysis, magnesium concentration in erythrocytes is approximately three times greater than in serum, therefore hemolysis can increase plasma magnesium. Hypermagnesemia is expected only in massive hemolysis.
- Renal insufficiency, excretion of magnesium becomes impaired when creatinine clearance falls below 30 ml/min. However, hypermagnesemia is not a prominent feature of renal insufficiency unless magnesium intake is increased.
- Other conditions that can predispose to mild hypermagnesemia are diabetic ketoacidosis, adrenal insufficiency, hyperparathyroidism and lithium intoxication.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Hypermagnesemia from other Diseases
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Epidemiology and Demographics
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Complications
Clinical consequences related to serumconcentration:
- 4.0 mEq/l hyporeflexia
- >5.0 mEq/l Prolonged atrioventricular conduction
- >10.0 mEq/l Complete heart block
- >13.0 mEq/l Cardiac arrest
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | Ultrasound
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]