What are the diagnostic criteria for magnesium poisoning?
Sep 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the diagnostic criteria for magnesium toxicity include loss of knee reflex, reduced respiration, decreased urine output, renal insufficiency, and elevated plasma magnesium levels. If any of these symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delaying treatment. Additionally, in daily life, it is important to avoid excessive consumption of whole grains and leafy green vegetables to reduce the risk of magnesium toxicity.
Under normal circumstances, the diagnostic criteria for magnesium toxicity include absence of knee reflex, reduced respiration, decreased urine output, renal insufficiency, and plasma magnesium levels. The details are as follows:
1. Absence of knee reflex
Magnesium ions can inhibit acetylcholine release at nerve terminals and antagonize calcium channels, thereby blocking neuromuscular transmission and relaxing skeletal muscles. The most commonly used test is the patellar tendon reflex. The disappearance of the knee reflex may indicate magnesium toxicity.
2. Reduced respiration
Excessive magnesium sulfate can suppress respiratory function and become life-threatening. Magnesium toxicity may lead to bradycardia and even cardiac arrest.
3. Decreased urine output
Urine output of less than 400 mL in 24 hours or no more than 15 mL per hour indicates oliguria, suggesting impaired renal excretory function, which may confirm magnesium toxicity.
4. Renal insufficiency
In this condition, magnesium excretion via the intestines is reduced, leading to elevated blood magnesium levels, which may allow a diagnosis of magnesium toxicity.
5. Plasma magnesium level
Measuring the concentration of magnesium in plasma is an important indicator for diagnosing magnesium toxicity. The normal plasma magnesium level ranges from approximately 0.75 to 0.95 mg/L. Diagnosis of magnesium toxicity is generally based on laboratory results exceeding the normal magnesium range.
If any of the above symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delays in treatment. Additionally, in daily life, it is advisable to avoid excessive consumption of whole grains and leafy green vegetables to reduce the risk of magnesium toxicity.
