2. Introduction
4th most plentiful cation in humans (after Na, K, and Ca)
2nd most important intracellular cation (after K)
Distribution- bones(53%), muscles(27%), soft tissues(19%) and
in serum and RBCs(less than 1%)
S. Mg – 3 forms- ionised(62%), protein bound( 33%), complexed
to anions such as citrate, PO4( 5%)
Ionised fraction is physiologically active
4. Physiological role
Physiological antagonist of Ca
Involvement of Mg in Na K ATPase- essential in maintaining
transmembrane Na and K gradients and normal K conc.
Determinant of electric potential across cell membranes
Generation of C-AMP is Mg dependant
Activation of many enzyme systems, including those involved in
energy metabolism
Essential role in production of ATP
Synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein
5. Physiological role
Direct effect on myocardium and vascular smooth muscle- depress
contractility, block catecholamine receptors, inhibits release of
catecholamines from adrenal medulla, peripheral adrenergic receptors
Blunts response of vascular tissue to vasoconstrictors
Bronchodilator, decreases PVR
Decreases release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junction
Decreases excitability of nerves and muscles, involved in contraction
and relaxation of muscles
Suppress epileptic foci and reverse cerebral vasospasm
Tocolytic
Inhibits platelet activity, increases bleeding time
6. Mg homeostasis
Body stores regulated by hormonal and metabolic effects on
gi absorption and renal excretion
Normal levels- 0.7- 1.05mmol/l
GI absorption- ileum and colon, inversely proportional to intake
Absorbed Mg excreted primarily by kidney
Majority of reabsorption in ascending limb of Henle’s loop
Aldosterone increses renal excretion
PTH enhances gut absorption, reduces renal excretion of Mg
8. Pharmacology
2ml, 5ml and 10 ml ampoules, clear solution for infusion
Not to be stored above 25 degrees celsius
Active substance - Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate
2ml= 1g MgSO4= 4mmols= 8 meq= 98 milligram elemental Mg
Too rapid administration- hypotension and even asystole
Reduced dose in elderly and in renal failure- use with caution
Use with caution in Myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy
Contraindications- Heartblock, obstetrics- within 2 hours of delivery
Drug interactions- Digoxin , Beta blocker and CCB, NDMR
Antidote- resp depression or HB- iv calcium
hypotension- calcium/ dopamine
9. Hypomagnesemia
Plasma Conc < 0.7mmol/l
Plasma Mg is less than 1% of total body Mg
Overall deficiency may exist even with normal plasma levels
Low serum Mg generally indicates low total body Mg, exceptions-
following massive crystalloid infusion, hypoalbuminemia
Suggestions that hypomagnesemia may be the most
underdiagnosed electrolyte deficiency
Relatively common disorder
10. Hypomagnesemia - causes
Decreased intake- elderly, chronic alcoholics, pancreatic
insufficiency, short bowel syndrome, TPN with insufficient Mg
Excessive renal loss- loop diuretics, ACEI, Gentamicin, interstitial
nephritis, diuretic phase of ATN, hyperaldosteronism
Extra renal losses- prolonged diarrhoea, long term NG drainage
Redistribution- treatment of DKA with insulin dextrose, massive
transfusion with citrated blood
11. Hypomagnesemia-Clinical manifestations
CVS- HTN, Angina, Arrythmias, digoxin toxicity, ECG changes
Neuromuscular- myoclonus, cramps, stridor, Chovstek’s and
Trousseau’s signs, convulsions and coma
Psychiatric disturbances- confusion, psychosis including
Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Co existing electrolyte disturbances- hypokalemia, hypocalcemia
12. Hypomagnesemia- Treatment
Normal homeostasis of Mg requires daily intake of 10-20 mmol
Mg replacement therapy particularly important in critically ill
Emergency- 10-20 mmol in 50 ml 5% D iv over 15-30mins,
followed by 40 mmol over 4 hrs iv
Critically ill(c/c deficiency)- 40 mmol iv on day 1 and
10-20 mmols on days 2-5
Less severely ill- 15 mmols/day, NG/PO
Renal function should be adequte before Mg administration
IV administration should be stopped if hypotension/ bradycardia,
if plasma conc. > 2.5 mmol/l or if DTR disappear
13. Hypermagnesemia
Iatrogenic- overdose in treatment of preeclampsia/eclampsia
End stage renal disease
High intake of antacids and use of purgatives
Adverse effects enhanced by hypocalcimea
GI- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
CVS- Prolongation of PR interval, QRS complex and QT interval,
hypotension and bradycardia, Complete HB and cardiac arrest
(10-12.5mmol/l) can also occur
CNS- Disappearance of DTR (levels> 4-5 mmol/l), depressed
respiration and apnoea due to paralysis of voluntary muscles
(5-7.5mmol/l)
Treatment-
Stop medications
iv calcium gluconate 2.5-5mmol bolus
Diuretics/ dialysis
14. PIH and Eclampsia
Major cause of maternal mortality and fetal loss
Uteroplacental ischaemia
Multisystem disorder affecting CVS, resp, hepatic, renal,
haemostatic and CNS
Control BP and abnormal haemodynamic state, prevent
convulsions, ensure safe delivery
MgSO4 is the most widely used anti convulsant
15. MgSO4 in Preeclampsia
Magpie Trial- Lancet 2002- “ MgSO4 halves the risk of eclampsia
and probably reduces the risk of maternal death with no
substantive harmful effects to mother or baby in short term”
Intense cerebral vasospasm with increased sensitivity to pressor
agents
Reduction in cerebral blood flow causing convulsions
MgSO4 in PIH- reduces intracerebral vasospasm, as measured by
Doppler examination of MCA
16. MgSO4 in Eclampsia
Collaborative Eclampsia trial ( Lancet,1995)– superiority of MgSO4
over Diazepam & Phenytoin in prevention of reccurent convulsions in
eclampsia
Reduction in incidence of eclamptic convulsions in women with PIH
Alters cardiovascular response to endotracheal intubation(40mk/kg
after induction agent, 30mg/kg in a patient on Magnesium therapy)
Less foetal depression than Alfentanil
For very severe preeclampsia- combination of MgSO4 and Alfentanil
superior to MgSO4 alone
17. MgSO4 in PIH
MgSO4 is the DOC for prevention and treatment of eclamptic
seizures
Loading dose of 4 g( some centres use 5g) iv over 5 mins
followed by iv infusion at 1-2g/hr for 24 hrs after last convulsion
If further convulsion occurs, another 2-4 g given iv over 5 mins
Therapeutic range of 2-3.5mmol/l recommended
IM route- painful, less predictable plasma concentrations
5 g im, then 2.5g im every 4 hrs until 24 hrs after last seizure
Plasma conc of 2-4 mmol/l usually acceptable
18. MgSO4 in cardiovascular anaesthesia
Hypomagnesemia is common after CPB- Mg widely accepted in
treatment and prophylaxis of arrythmias after CPB
Anti arrythmic agent- post MI, torsades de pointes, intractable VT/
VF, digoxin induced arrythmias, multifocal atrial tachycardia
Component of some cardioplegic solutions- protects ischemic
myocardium especially during reperfusion
Aortic cross clamping- NMDA antagonsit- protection to spinal
cord during repair of supra renal anuerysms
Control of hypertensive responses to laryngoscopy and intubation-
suppress stress response at a dose of 40mg/kg
19. Mg and anaesthesia
Both hypo and hyper magnesemia- anaesthetic implications
Frequently accompanied by other electrolyte disturbances
If not urgent, postpone procedure
Increased risk of perioperative arrythmias
High chances of stridor provoked by airway stimulation, upon
induction of hypomagnesemic patients
Avoid hyperventilation, as it further lowers Mg levels
Vasodilation produced by volatile agents, narcotics may be
exacerbated by Mg leading to hypotension
20. Mg and anaesthesia
It decreases presynaptic release of acetylcholine and reduces
sensitivity of post junctional membrane
NDMR potentiated by Mg
MgSO4 causes dose related depression of acetylcholine release
Mg decreases twitch response without TOF fade, unlike NDMR
Pancuronium, rocuronium and vecuronium are potentiated by Mg
Reduced dose of muscle relaxant
Use peripheral nerve stimulator
21. Other clinical uses of Magnesium
Phaeochromocytoma crisis -bolus dose of 2-4 g followed by infusion at 1g/hr-
marked anti adrenergic effect, inhibition of release of catecholamines and calcium
channel blocking property allied to its effect on release of acetylcholine
Anaesthetic management of phaeochromocytoma resection
Asthma- bronchodilator- calcium antagonism, inhibitory action on smooth muscle
contraction, on Histamine release from mast cells and Acetylcholine release from
cholinergic nerve terminals. IgE stimulation increases calcium conc intracellularly,
leading to Histamine release
Tetanus- MgSO4 in conjunction with sedation eg: clonidine, reduce cardiovascular
(autonomic) instability and inhibits release of catecholamines, reduces spasms
Sub arachnoid haemorrhage- neuroprotective mechanisms- inhibition of release
of excitatory aminoacids, blockade of NMDA glutamate receptors, non competitive
antagonist of voltage dependant Ca channel, cerebrovascular dilatory activity
22. From the journals
MgSo4 attenuates arterial pressure increase during lap
cholecystectomy - BJA (2009)103(4)
MgSO4 as an adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine in mild pre
eclampsia undergoing CS- reduces post op analgesic requirements-
IJOA 2010;19
MgSO4 in severe tetanus improves muscle spasm and cardiovascular
stability- Anaesthesia 2008;63
Intra articular inj of MgSO4 enhances analgesic effect of intra
articular Bupivacaine- Anaesth Analg 2008;106
23. References
Cations- Pottasium, Calcium, Magnesium BJA CEACCP 2012 Vol 12,No 4
Magnesium: an emerging drug in anaesthesia- Editorial, BJA (2009)103(4)
Magnesium and the anaesthetist BJA CEACCP 2001,Vol 1 No 1
Magnesium- Physiology and pharmacology, BJA 1999;83:302-20
Clinical uses of Magnesium infusions in Anaesthesia,
Anaesth Analgesia 1992;74:129-136