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Review
. 2023 Jun 24;59(7):1190.
doi: 10.3390/medicina59071190.

Hypermagnesemia in Clinical Practice

Aya Hasan Aal-Hamad  1 , Abdullah M Al-Alawi  2   3 , Masoud Salim Kashoub  2   3 , Henrik Falhammar  4   5
Affiliations
Review

Hypermagnesemia in Clinical Practice

Aya Hasan Aal-Hamad et al. Medicina (Kaunas). .

Abstract

Hypermagnesemia is a relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance characterized by elevated magnesium concentrations in the blood. Magnesium is a crucial mineral involved in various physiological functions, such as neuromuscular conduction, cardiac excitability, vasomotor tone, insulin metabolism, and muscular contraction. Hypomagnesemia is a prevalent electrolyte disturbance that can lead to several neuromuscular, cardiac, or nervous system disorders. Hypermagnesemia has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes, particularly in hospitalized patients. Prompt identification and management of hypermagnesemia are crucial to prevent complications, such as respiratory and cardiovascular negative outcomes, neuromuscular dysfunction, and coma. Preventing hypermagnesemia is crucial, particularly in high-risk populations, such as patients with impaired renal function or those receiving magnesium-containing medications or supplements. Clinical management of hypermagnesemia involves discontinuing magnesium-containing therapies, intravenous fluid therapy, or dialysis in severe cases. Furthermore, healthcare providers should monitor serum magnesium concentration in patients at risk of hypermagnesemia and promptly intervene if the concentration exceeds the normal range.

Keywords: clinical practice; electrolyte disturbance; hypermagnesemia; hypomagnesemia; magnesium homeostasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Epithelial magnesium transport in the intestine and kidney. The figure demonstrates the transcellular and paracellular mechanisms of Mg transportation. TRPM6/7: transient receptor potential melastatin cation channels 6 and 7.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Clinical manifestation of hypermagnesemia. CNS: central nervous system; CVS: cardiovascular system; GI: gastrointestinal system; MSK: musculoskeletal.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Management of hypermagnesemia according to Mg concentration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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