
The mechanism of PPI-induced hypomagnesemia is unclear, although it is hypothesized that somehow the drugs interfere with gastrointestinal absorption. However, data from one case report suggest that a renal effect may also contribute. Regolisti et al described a patient with hypomagnesemia while on pantoprazole. An intravenous infusion of magnesium was used to determine the kidney’s maximum tubular magnesium reabsorption threshold, or the serum ultrafilterable magnesium concentration below which the kidneys retain most of the filtered magnesium. The serum and urine Mg were measured during a period of IV Mg infusion, and the point at which the urine Mg began to increase was deemed the point at which the renal tubular mechanisms for Mg reabsorption were overwhelmed. The maximum tubular reabsorption threshold for Mg was markedly less (0.90 mEq/L) in the patient compared to normal persons (≥ 1.20 mEq/L).
Although the incidence of PPI-induced refractory hypomagnesemia is assuredly quite low, given the infrequent case reports and the large number of people taking PPIs, it should be considered on the differential diagnosis of hypoMg (see Nate’s post) in any patient on a PPI whose low magnesium level is proving hard to correct.
This might be slightly higher than expected but if you look it up, it is well within the range of that typically seen in patients w hypoMg. Best PPI Advice
I just wanted to add that in that case, the FEMg was calculated based on a Mg level that was recorded as "less than assay" so the FeMG may have been much lower than was stated in the presentation.
From the presenter at grand rounds yesterday: "the FeMg was about 5%. This might be slightly higher than expected but if you look it up, it is well within the range of that typically seen in patients w hypoMg. That being said, you can see a number as low as 0.5%, so one might argue this was slightly high- but still low enough that this was predominantly GI loss." The patient had been on a PPI for over a year.
What was the Fractional excretion of magnesium in your patient that was presented? and for how long the patient was on the medication.
I am following one patient now that I believe has PPI-associated HypoMg. He has been off for a little over 2 months and still requiring supplements… Very interesting and havent seen or heard about this before. It is surprising with the amount of PPI usage…
Great job, keep up the good work.