Symptomatic Hypermagnesemia in Normal Kidney Function with a Colonic Cleansing Agent.
10.3904/kjm.2016.91.3.306
- Author:
Taehong KIM
1
;
Tae Hyung KIM
;
Won Hyuk LEE
;
Yoo Jin LEE
;
Sihyung PARK
;
Bong Soo PARK
;
Yang Wook KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea. kyw8625@chol.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Magnesium;
Cathartics;
Neoplasms
- MeSH:
Aged;
Calcium;
Cathartics;
Colon*;
Colonoscopy;
Detergents*;
Enema;
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage;
Humans;
Kidney*;
Lethargy;
Magnesium
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2016;91(3):306-310
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Most reported cases of hypermagnesemia are related to laxative abuse and impaired renal function, while hypermagnesemia is uncommon without iatrogenic magnesium administration and decreased renal function. Magnesium-containing bowel-cleansing agents are widely used before colonoscopy, usually without complications. However, we experienced a case of symptomatic hypermagnesemia with normal renal function after using a bowel-cleansing agent. A 74-year-old man with normal renal function complained of lethargy and motor weakness after taking a bowel-cleansing agent containing 14 grams of magnesium before a colonoscopy for hematochezia. His magnesium level was 12 mg/dL. Fluid stasis in the gut due to colonic obstruction might have caused the hypermagnesemia. He was treated successfully with a bowel enema and intravenous calcium. We should be cautious when prescribing drugs for colonoscopy if colonic obstruction is suspected.
