MAGNESIUM IMBALANCE DEFINITION Hypermagnesemia is an electrolyte disorder

MAGNESIUM IMBALANCE

DEFINITION Hypermagnesemia is an electrolyte disorder in which there is a high level of magnesium in the blood. Hypermagnesemia is a serum magnesium concentration > 2. 6 mg/d. L (> 1. 05 mmol/L)

CAUSES Most cases of hypermagnesemia occur in people who have kidney failure. Hypermagnesemia occurs because the process that keeps the levels of magnesium in the body at normal levels does not work properly in people with kidney dysfunction and end-stage liver disease.

Other causes of hypermagnesemia include: lithium therapy hypothyroidism Addison’s disease milk-alkali syndrome drugs containing magnesium, such as some laxatives and antacids familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia

SYMPTOMS nausea vomiting neurological impairment abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension) flushing headache

MANAGEMENT The first step in treating hypermagnesemia is identifying and stopping the source of extra magnesium An intravenous (IV) calcium supply is then used to reduce symptoms such as impaired breathing, irregular heartbeat, and hypotension, as well as the neurological impact.

Intravenous calcium, diuretics, or water pills may also be used to help the body get rid of excess magnesium. People with renal dysfunction or those who have had a severe magnesium overdose may require dialysis if they are experiencing kidney failure, or if magnesium levels are still rising after treatment.

DEFINITION Hypomagnesemia is serum magnesium concentration < 1. 8 mg/d. L (< 0. 70 mmol/L)

CAUSES

SYMPTOMS Early signs of low magnesium include: nausea vomiting weakness decreased appetite

As magnesium deficiency worsens, symptoms may include: numbness tingling muscle cramps seizures muscle spasticity personality changes abnormal heart rhythms

MANAGEMENT