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Subcutaneous magnesium in the advanced cancer setting
  1. Stephen J Fenning,
  2. Steinunn R Boyce,
  3. Paul Wilson and
  4. Fran Stretton
  1. Victoria Hospice, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Stephen J Fenning, Victoria Hospice, Victoria Hospital, Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy KY2 5AH, UK; s.fenning{at}nhs.net

Abstract

Hypomagnesaemia can arise from a variety of causes but is particularly prevalent in cancer populations. This case report describes a patient with recurrent symptomatic hypomagnesaemia, on the background of advanced ovarian cancer and a high-output ileostomy, who was successfully managed on a daily continuous subcutaneous infusion of magnesium via a syringe pump. There is limited published information on the subcutaneous administration of magnesium and, to our knowledge, this is the first case to report its routine delivery over 24 hours in a syringe pump. This novel but effective approach for administering magnesium can be delivered in the community and can, therefore, prevent repeated hospital admissions for patients with recurrent symptomatic hypomagnesaemia who would otherwise need intravenous replacement.

  • Drug administration
  • Pharmacology
  • Pain
  • Symptoms and symptom management
  • Terminal care

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Footnotes

  • Contributors All authors looked after the patient and were involved in the writing of the case report. SF submitted the study.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Patient consent Obtained.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.