Fatal hypermagnesemia caused by an Epsom salt enema: a case illustration

South Med J. 2005 Feb;98(2):253-6. doi: 10.1097/01.SMJ.0000145307.80421.4B.

Abstract

The authors describe a case of fatal hypermagnesemia caused by an Epsom salt enema. A 7-year-old male presented with cardiac arrest and was found to have a serum magnesium level of 41.2 mg/dL (33.9 mEq/L) after having received an Epsom salt enema earlier that day. The medical history of Epsom salt, the common causes and symptoms of hypermagnesemia, and the treatment of hypermagnesemia are reviewed. The easy availability of magnesium, the subtle initial symptoms of hypermagnesemia, and the need for education about the toxicity of magnesium should be of interest to physicians.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / therapy
  • Child
  • Enema / adverse effects
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperlysinemias / etiology*
  • Magnesium / blood
  • Magnesium Sulfate / adverse effects*
  • Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
  • Male

Substances

  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Magnesium