HYPERMAGNESEMIA
Hypermagnesemia is a rare electrolyte disorder in which there is a high level of magnesium in the bloodstream.
- The body uses magnesium as an electrolyte, meaning it generates and carries electric charges around the body when dissolved in the blood
- Magnesium is stored inside cells or bones and helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, contributes to the structural development of bone, helps regulate blood glucose levels, keeps the heartbeat steady, and is required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA
- The gastrointestinal and the kidney systems regulate and control the amount of magnesium absorbed from food and the amount excreted in urine
- In healthy people, the body maintain a normal level of 1.4 to 2.6 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of magnesium at all times
- A magnesium level greater than 2.6 mg/dL is considered high. It is severe if levels are greater than 7mg/dL
CAUSES
Hypermagnesemia is usually caused by problems in the organs that regulate and control magnesium in the body, mostly intestine and kidney. When these organs do not work, they are unable to get rid of excess magnesium in the body, resulting in a build-up of the mineral in the blood.
Predisposing conditions include:
- Kidney failure
- Hemolysis
Other conditions include
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Lithium intoxication
- Addison’s disease
- Milk-alkali syndrome
- Magnesium-containing drugs, such as antacids
- Seizures
- Prolonged ischemia
- Tumor lysis syndrome
SYMPTOMS
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Impaired breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Sleepiness
- Neurological impairment
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out a blood test and measure the concentration of magnesium in the blood. The severity of the condition is determined by the level of magnesium found in the blood.
A normal magnesium level is between 1.46 to 2.6 mg/dL. Anything above this and up to around 7mg/dL can cause nausea and headache.
Magnesium levels between 7 and 12mg/dL can cause problems in the heart and lungs, resulting in extreme fatigue and low blood pressure.
Levels above 12 mg/dL can result in muscle paralysis and hyperventilation. The condition may result in a coma when levels are above 15.6mg/dL.
TREATMENT
In mild cases, treatment option includes identifying and stopping the source of the extra magnesium. This treatment option is often sufficient.
In more severe cases, treatment options may include:
- An intravenous calcium supply to reduce symptoms
- Intravenous diuretics or water pills
- Dialysis, when kidney function is impaired