Hypermagnesemia
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];
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
Historical Perspective
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References
Pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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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
Causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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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
Differentiating Hypermagnesemia from other Diseases
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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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
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | Ultrasound
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