Subcutaneous magnesium in the advanced cancer setting

BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2018 Jun;8(2):191-193. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001360. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

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.

Keywords: Drug administration; Pain; Pharmacology; Symptoms and symptom management; Terminal care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Infusions, Subcutaneous
  • Magnesium / therapeutic use*
  • Magnesium Deficiency / complications*
  • Magnesium Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Magnesium