Hypermagnesemia (Magnesium Toxicity)

WHAT IS IT?

Hypermagnesemia (Magnesium Toxicity) refers to increased levels of magnesium within the serum of a patient ( > 2.2 mEq/L)

High levels of magnesium is a medical problem that may require correction (source)
WHAT CAUSES IT?

Possible causes of this condition can fall into several categories (outlined below):

  • Complications of magnesium excretion: patients with kidney disease
  • Excessive intake of magnesium: 
INITIAL PRESENTATION

Patient Issues (Chief Complaints):

  • Nausea
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Respiratory depression 
  • Coma

Detection On Medical Workup:

  • Finding from a serum magnesium study
  • EKG abnormalities (more explained below)
WHAT ARE IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE PHYSICAL EXAM?

Neurological Exam:

  • Decreased/absent deep tendon reflexes
CLINICAL WORKUP: SERUM STUDIES

Serum magnesium: this serum study will help aid in the diagnosis.

CLINICAL WORKUP: EKG

Electrocardiographic changes are expected in patients with this electrolyte abnormality.

  • Widened QRS complex
  • ST segment depression
  • Peaked T waves 
WHAT IS OUR THRESHOLD FOR DIAGNOSIS?

A serum magnesium of > 2.2 mEq/L is the threshold for diagnosis hypomagnesemia

HOW DO WE MANAGE A PATIENT WITH THIS DIAGNOSIS?

A separate page dedicated to managing this electrolyte abnormality can be found here.

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 01.28.2017