Impact of magnesium sulfate on serum magnesium concentrations and intracellular electrolyte concentrations among patients undergoing radio frequency catheter ablation.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the impact of intravenous magnesium on intracellular magnesium (iMg) and serum magnesium (sMg) in patients undergoing radio frequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF).


METHODS
Patients with AF received 4g intravenous magnesium sulfate or normal saline in a randomized, double-blinded fashion. Venous blood and buccal cells were collected for evaluation of sMg and iMg at baseline, postinfusion, at the end of ablation procedure and six-hours posttherapy.


RESULTS
All subjects (n = 18) had baseline sMg within normal range but iMg concentrations below normal in 89% of subjects. Baseline sMg and iMg concentrations were similar between groups. After infusion, the magnesium group had significantly higher sMg concentration than the placebo group over the six hours. In contrast, iMg concentrations were significantly higher than placebo immediately after the infusion (P = 0.007) but not at the end of RFCA or six-hours postinfusion (P = 0.187 and P = 0.267).


CONCLUSIONS
iMg deficiencies exist despite normal sMg concentrations in patients undergoing RFCA. Intravenous magnesium sulfate corrects iMg deficiencies immediately postinfusion.
Shah
Sachin A
SA
Hartford Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Hartford, CT 06102-5037, USA.
Clyne
Christopher A
CA
Henyan
Nickole
N
Migeed
Magdy
M
Yarlagadda
Ravi
R
Silver
Burton B
BB
Kluger
Jeffrey
J
White
C Michael
CM
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D008274:Magnesium