Fatal Hypermagnesemia Due to Laxative Use.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the fatal risks of hypermagnesemia due to magnesium-based laxatives in a patient with chronic constipation and normal renal function.
Results Summary
The study found that severe hypermagnesemia, caused by magnesium-based laxatives, led to fatal outcomes despite normal kidney function and renal replacement therapy. Retention of magnesium in the gut acted as a continuous absorption reservoir, contributing to mortality.
Population
A 53-year-old woman with chronic constipation and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (regular use of magnesium-containing laxatives).
Duration
Not specified (acute hospitalization period).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
magnesium-containing laxatives | increase | fatal hypermagnesemia | a 53-year-old woman with chronic constipation | - | resulted in | #1 |
magnesium-containing laxatives | increase | magnesium level | a 53-year-old woman | 10.8mg/dL | rose to a peak of | #2 |
Continuous renal replacement therapy | decrease | serum magnesium levels | a 53-year-old woman | - | reduced | #3 |
severe hypermagnesemia | increase | death | individuals with normal renal function | - | frequently results in | #4 |
retention of magnesium-based laxative in the gut | increase | mortality | patients with constipation | - | serves as a reservoir for continuous magnesium absorption and contributes to | #5 |
We report a case of fatal hypermagnesemia in a 53-year-old woman admitted for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and with a history of chronic constipation treated regularly with magnesium-containing laxatives. On admission, her magnesium level was 2.0mg/dL, which rose to a peak of 10.8mg/dL despite hydration and diuresis in the presence of a normal kidney function. Continuous renal replacement therapy was promptly initiated, which reduced her serum magnesium levels, but her condition continued to deteriorate precipitously progressing to shock leading to oligoanuric renal failure, and she died 2 days later. A review of the literature shows that though rare and often unsuspected, severe hypermagnesemia frequently results in death even in individuals with normal renal function despite renal replacement therapy. In patients with constipation, retention of magnesium-based laxative in the gut apparently serves as a reservoir for continuous magnesium absorption and contributes to mortality.