Acquired Disorders of Hypomagnesemia

Magnesium disorders are common in clinical practice and when present can manifest clinically as cardiovascular, neuromuscular, or other organ dysfunction. Hypomagnesemia is far more common than hypermagnesemia, which is largely seen in patients with reduced glomerular filtration rates receiving magnesium-containing medications. In addition to inherited disorders of magnesium handling, hypomagnesemia is also seen with excessive gastrointestinal or renal losses and due to medications such as amphotericin B, aminoglycosides, and cisplatin. Laboratory assessment of body magnesium stores largely relies on the measurement of serum magnesium levels that are a poor proxy for total body stores but does correlate with the development of symptoms. Replacement of magnesium can be challenging, with oral replacement strategies being generally more effective at slowly replacing body stores but intravenous replacement being more effective at treating the more lifethreatening and severe cases of hypomagnesemia. We conducted a thorough review of the literature using PubMed (1970-2022) and the search terms magnesium, hypomagnesemia, drugs, medications, treatment, and therapy. In the absence of clear data on optimal management of hypomagnesemia, we have made recommendations on magnesium replacement based on our clinical experience.

Automated summary

Magnesium disorders are common in clinical practice and can manifest as cardiovascular, neuromuscular, or other organ dysfunction. Hypomagnesemia is more common than hypermagnesemia, particularly in patients with reduced glomerular filtration rates receiving magnesium-containing medications. Hypomagnesemia can occur due to inherited disorders, excessive gastrointestinal or renal losses, and certain medications. Laboratory assessment relies on measuring serum magnesium levels, although it does not accurately reflect total body stores but correlates with the development of symptoms. Replacing magnesium can be challenging, with oral strategies slowly replenishing body stores and intravenous replacement being more effective in severe cases.