Magnesium is a mineral that is naturally found in your body and in the food you consume daily. It is responsible for many processes within your body that includes, but not limited to, protein synthesis, bone formation, blood pressure regulation, nerve function, and electrical conduction in the heart. However, too much magnesium, whether it’s due to over-consumption or under-excretion, can result in serious health issues for the patient. This activity will cover the causes, as well as the early symptomatic presentation of magnesium toxicity. Additionally, it will highlight the importance of diagnosing and treating magnesium toxicity early on and how a strong interprofessional effort is important to prevent fatal complications.[1]
While magnesium toxicity is rare in the general population, there is a subset of patients who are at risk of developing this pathology. Magnesium is excreted in the kidneys, and so those with chronic kidney disease are particularly at risk. However, magnesium excretion is only impaired when the creatinine clearance falls below 30 ml/minute. Patients on dialysis can also experience a quick rise in magnesium levels if their treatments are missed. Additionally, the magnesium concentration in cells is much higher than that in plasma. Therefore, patients undergoing cancer treatment, who have high rates of cellular hemolysis, are also at risk. Lastly, women who are being treated for preeclampsia are also at risk for magnesium toxicity due to the high dosage needed to prevent seizures. Identifying the causes of magnesium toxicity, whether it is through over-absorption or under-secretion, is vital to not only identify patients at risk for magnesium toxicity but also to prevent future toxicities.[2]
Magnesium toxicity occurs in both sexes as this condition is indirectly developed due to underlying pathology or excessive exogenous intake. However, women are more likely to develop magnesium toxicity as magnesium is universally used for the treatment of pre-eclampsia, which complicates about 3% of pregnancies nationwide. Additionally, magnesium toxicity occurs at a higher rate in the U.S. versus worldwide, likely due to the wider availability of magnesium-containing over-the-counter supplements. The prevalence of hypermagnesemia among hospitalized patients in the U.S. was also found to be 9.3%.[3][4]
Magnesium serves as a co-factor for over 300 biochemical reactions within the body. The importance of magnesium is found in protein synthesis, nerve and muscle functioning, bone growth, regulation of blood pressure and glucose, and normal cardiac rhythm. An average adult has approximately 22 to 26 grams of magnesium. 60% of total levels is stored in bone, 39% is stored intracellularly, and only 1% is found in its free or ionized active form in blood vessels. Magnesium is also involved in sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. The homeostasis of magnesium is dependent on kidney and small bowel function, as well as storage in bone and cells. When these processes are affected, whether it is due to under-excretion by the kidneys, over-absorbance by the small bowel, or displacement of stored magnesium into the serum, hypermagnesemia occurs and leads to magnesium toxicity. The most common findings of early-onset toxicity are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. However, as levels continue to rise, patients experience loss of deep tendon reflexes, sinoatrial (SA) or atrioventricular (AV) node blocks, respiratory paralysis, and eventually cardiac arrest.[5][6]
The toxic effects of magnesium are inherently linked to the levels (mEq/liters) found in the serum. As the levels of magnesium rise, different symptoms start to manifest, and the fatality of those symptoms is proportional to the levels of magnesium found. Starting at 5 to 10 mEq/L, patients will begin to develop ECG changes (prolonged PR interval, widened QRS). At 10 mEq/L, there will be a loss of deep tendon reflexes and muscle weakness. At 15 mEq/L, signs of abnormal conductivity surface as SA/AV node block. Additionally, patients begin to experience respiratory paralysis. At 20 mEq/L or higher, the patient is likely to experience cardiac arrest.[7][8][9][10]
Obtaining a thorough history is paramount when diagnosing magnesium toxicity as magnesium levels are not checked in a routine workup, and the symptoms that patients can present with tend to be nonspecific. As previously discussed, magnesium toxicity results from under-excretion, over-consumption, and storage displacement. The history should be focused on their etiology, such as history of chronic kidney disease, use of magnesium-containing medications such as antacids and laxatives, and recent chemotherapy treatment. Patients on dialysis who may have missed their treatments are also especially at risk. A physical exam is difficult as patients may present with nonspecific findings such as visual changes, flushing, muscle paralysis, and somnolence. However, loss of patellar reflexes should raise suspicion for magnesium toxicity. Patients who are receiving a magnesium infusion, such as those with preeclampsia, require a continuous reassessment of patellar reflexes.[11]
Hypermagnesemia can be diagnosed relatively quickly if there is a high index of suspicion. This can be done by obtaining a measurement of the concentration of magnesium in the blood. Levels that are greater than 2.2 mEq/L (or greater than 1.1 mmol/L) are diagnostic for hypermagnesemia. When suspicion for magnesium toxicity is high, workup including an initial ECG as this can be readily done and can identify lethal dysrhythmias that may require emergent treatments. In addition to an ECG, a clinician should also order a complete metabolic panel, including magnesium and phosphorus, to rule out additional electrolyte abnormalities as well as evaluate the patient's renal function as magnesium is excreted by the kidneys.[12]
The treatment of magnesium toxicity begins with the discontinuation of all magnesium-containing supplements and medication. In severe cases, intravenous calcium gluconate can be used to displace and neutralize the effects of magnesium. However, definitive treatment requires a reduction of magnesium levels within the body. In patients with normal kidney function, this is achievable through intravenous diuretics. For patients with impaired kidney function, dialysis treatment is necessary.[13]
Due to the indistinct symptomatic presentation of magnesium toxicity, the differential diagnosis is wide. However, electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia, should always be included within the list. Therefore, a provider’s workup should include other electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, in addition to magnesium levels.
The prognosis of magnesium toxicity can include a complete resolution of symptoms without residual effects if diagnosed and treated early. Quality of life, long-term complications, and life expectancy are unaffected if toxic levels of magnesium are stabilized early on using calcium gluconate and subsequently lowered using diuretics or dialysis. However, if left untreated, magnesium toxicity has a high rate of mortality due to respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest.
Complications of magnesium toxicity can be both systemic and organ-specific, depending on the levels of magnesium concentration in the blood. Minor side effects seen early on in hypermagnesemia include flushed skin, nausea or vomiting, and generalized muscle weakness. However, as the levels of magnesium increase, the muscle weakness progresses to loss of deep tendon reflexes and eventually, flaccid paralysis that can cause respiratory compromise. Further complications include those in the cardiovascular system, beginning with hypotension and bradycardia. If magnesium levels remain uncorrected, this can lead to a complete heart block and, subsequently, cardiac arrest.[14][15][16]
Patient education on the effects of elevated magnesium is particularly important in the prevention of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium, a lesser-known electrolyte to the public in comparison to potassium, sodium, and calcium, should be committed to memory. This is especially true for patients who have chronic kidney disease, being treated for preeclampsia, and those on dialysis.
An interprofessional team that provides a holistic and integrated approach to care can help achieve the best possible outcomes. If magnesium toxicity occurs, the role of prompt treatment cannot be undermined. The patient is to be stabilized as early as possible and subsequently monitored closely. Major complications that are associated with magnesium toxicity can be largely avoided if the interprofessional team is able to diagnose and treat this disease in a timely manner.
Collaboration shared decision making, and communication are key elements for a good outcome. The interprofessional care provided to the patient must use an integrated care pathway combined with an evidence-based approach to planning and evaluation of all joint activities.[17] The earlier signs and symptoms of a complication are identified, the better is the prognosis and outcome.[18] [Level 3] Nurses monitor patients, administer treatment, provide patient education, and report status changes to the rest of the team. Pharmacists should counsel patients with renal disease to avoid magnesium-containing over the counter products. [Level 5]
[1] | Bailey RL,Fulgoni VL 3rd,Keast DR,Dwyer JT, Dietary supplement use is associated with higher intakes of minerals from food sources. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2011 Nov; [PubMed PMID: 21955646] |
[2] | Elin RJ, Magnesium metabolism in health and disease. Disease-a-month : DM. 1988 Apr; [PubMed PMID: 3282851] |
[3] | Wong ET,Rude RK,Singer FR,Shaw ST Jr, A high prevalence of hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia in hospitalized patients. American journal of clinical pathology. 1983 Mar; [PubMed PMID: 6829504] |
[4] | Hutcheon JA,Lisonkova S,Joseph KS, Epidemiology of pre-eclampsia and the other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Best practice [PubMed PMID: 21333604] |
[5] | Fine KD,Santa Ana CA,Porter JL,Fordtran JS, Intestinal absorption of magnesium from food and supplements. The Journal of clinical investigation. 1991 Aug; [PubMed PMID: 1864954] |
[6] | Barbagallo M,Belvedere M,Dominguez LJ, Magnesium homeostasis and aging. Magnesium research. 2009 Dec; [PubMed PMID: 20228001] |
[7] | Ranade VV,Somberg JC, Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of magnesium after administration of magnesium salts to humans. American journal of therapeutics. 2001 Sep-Oct; [PubMed PMID: 11550076] |
[8] | Krendel DA, Hypermagnesemia and neuromuscular transmission. Seminars in neurology. 1990 Mar; [PubMed PMID: 2161126] |
[9] | Turner JA, Diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia: an update. International journal of women's health. 2010 Sep 30; [PubMed PMID: 21151680] |
[10] | Fung MC,Weintraub M,Bowen DL, Hypermagnesemia. Elderly over-the-counter drug users at risk. Archives of family medicine. 1995 Aug; [PubMed PMID: 7620603] |
[11] | McLaughlin SA,McKinney PE, Antacid-induced hypermagnesemia in a patient with normal renal function and bowel obstruction. The Annals of pharmacotherapy. 1998 Mar; [PubMed PMID: 9533062] |
[12] | Elin RJ, Assessment of magnesium status for diagnosis and therapy. Magnesium research. 2010 Dec; [PubMed PMID: 20736141] |
[13] | Zipes DP,Camm AJ,Borggrefe M,Buxton AE,Chaitman B,Fromer M,Gregoratos G,Klein G,Moss AJ,Myerburg RJ,Priori SG,Quinones MA,Roden DM,Silka MJ,Tracy C,Smith SC Jr,Jacobs AK,Adams CD,Antman EM,Anderson JL,Hunt SA,Halperin JL,Nishimura R,Ornato JP,Page RL,Riegel B,Blanc JJ,Budaj A,Dean V,Deckers JW,Despres C,Dickstein K,Lekakis J,McGregor K,Metra M,Morais J,Osterspey A,Tamargo JL,Zamorano JL, ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (writing committee to develop Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death): developed in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. 2006 Sep 5; [PubMed PMID: 16935995] |
[14] | Kass L,Weekes J,Carpenter L, Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis. European journal of clinical nutrition. 2012 Apr; [PubMed PMID: 22318649] |
[15] | Peacock JM,Ohira T,Post W,Sotoodehnia N,Rosamond W,Folsom AR, Serum magnesium and risk of sudden cardiac death in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. American heart journal. 2010 Sep; [PubMed PMID: 20826254] |
[16] | Del Gobbo LC,Imamura F,Wu JH,de Oliveira Otto MC,Chiuve SE,Mozaffarian D, Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2013 Jul; [PubMed PMID: 23719551] |
[17] | Gutowski KA, Evidence-Based Medicine: Abdominoplasty. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2018 Feb [PubMed PMID: 29373443] |
[18] | Pallara T,Del Buono R,Marangi GF,Langella M,Toto V,Persichetti P, Outcomes of traditional cosmetic abdominoplasty in a community setting: a retrospective analysis of 1008 patients. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2013 Nov [PubMed PMID: 24165640] |