Severe hypermagnesemia induced by magnesium oxide ingestion: a case series

In this report, we present the cases of four elderly patients with constipation and symptomatic hypermagnesemia caused by MgO ingestion, one of which had a lethal course. All of the patients were older than 65  years and with renal dysfunction. In addition, they had difficulties in expressing their symptoms because of cerebrovascular events or dementia. These cases suggest that hypermagnesemia caused by magnesium-containing cathartics is more likely to develop than previously recognized and that physicia ns should be aware that patients with chronic kidney disease and the elderly are at risk of hypermagnesemia on magnesium administration. We recommend serum magnesium monitoring for high-risk patients after initial prescription or dose increase.
Source: CEN Case Reports - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research