[Intoxication with magnesium, a 'forgotten' electrolyte].
Magnesium salts are widely used and are usually regarded as rather harmless. Magnesium intoxication, however, can be lethal. Recently, severe magnesium intoxication was identified in 3 patients, one woman aged 68 and 2 men aged 19 and 26 years respectively, who required treatment in an Intensive Care setting. Initial symptoms of magnesium intoxication went unnoticed due to sedation or paraplegia. Only after developing severe neurological symptoms, respiratory or circulatory failure, magnesium intoxication was diagnosed. Plasma magnesium levels exceeded 6 mmol/l (reference value: 0.70-1.00). Therapy consisted of cessation of magnesium therapy, administration of calcium and enhanced elimination of magnesium by haemodialysis. All patients survived the intoxication. Magnesium intoxication may develop unnoticed when the initial signs and symptoms are masked by clinical conditions. Especially patients with renal failure, inflammatory bowel disease, sedation and paraplegia need careful monitoring when magnesium is administered.
van Dijk
I
I
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, divisie Intensive Care Centrum, Postbus 85.500, 3508 GA Utrecht.
Meulenbelt
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D012307:Risk Factors
D008274:Magnesium