Hypomagnesaemia in elderly digitalised patients.
Hypomagnesaemia and hypokalaemia are known to predispose to digoxin toxicity. Elderly patients receiving diuretics may be at special risk. A 12-month survey of all patients receiving digoxin at the time of admission to our Geriatric Assessment Unit revealed 16% were hypomagnesaemic, whereas no patient was hypokalaemic. There is a need for greater awareness of the risk of magnesium depletion in elderly patients receiving concurrent diuretic and digoxin therapy.
Martin
B J
BJ
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Lightburn Hospital, Glasgow.
McAlpine
J K
JK
Devine
B L
BL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004077:Digoxin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
D004232:Diuretics; D004077:Digoxin; D012964:Sodium; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium