Korean J Pediatr.  2013 Jul;56(7):308-311. 10.3345/kjp.2013.56.7.308.

Severe hypermagnesemia presenting with abnormal electrocardiographic findings similar to those of hyperkalemia in a child undergoing peritoneal dialysis

• Jhang WK
• Lee YJ
• Kim YA
• Park SJ
• Park YS

• KMID: 2284259
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2013.56.7.308

Abstract

In this report, we present a pediatric case of severe symptomatic hypermagnesemia resulting from the use of magnesium oxide as a laxative in a child undergoing continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease. The patient showed abnormal electrocardiography (ECG) findings, such as tall T waves, a widened QRS complex, and irregular conduction, which were initially misdiagnosed as hyperkalemia; later, the correct diagnosis of hypermagnesemia was obtained. Emergent hemodialysis successfully returned the serum magnesium concentration to normal without complications. When abnormal ECG changes are detected in patients with renal failure, hypermagnesemia should be considered.

Keyword

Magnesium; Peritoneal dialysis; Hyperkalemia

MeSH Terms

Child
Electrocardiography
Humans
Hyperkalemia
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Magnesium
Magnesium Oxide
Peritoneal Dialysis
Renal Dialysis
Renal Insufficiency
Magnesium
Magnesium Oxide