Magnesium Toxicity-Induced Ileus in a Postpartum Patient Treated for Preeclampsia With Magnesium Sulphate

ACG Case Rep J. 2015 Jul 9;2(4):227-9. doi: 10.14309/crj.2015.67. eCollection 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Hypermagnesemia is a rare and under-recognized cause of paralytic ileus. We report a case of a 21-year-old primigravida who was managed aggressively for preeclampsia and presented with postpartum paralytic ileus. Detailed history was employed to consider hypermagnesemia-induced ileus as the working diagnosis, and the patient improved with correction of the electrolyte imbalance. Hypermagnesemia-induced lethargy, decreased reflexes, muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, respiratory muscle paralysis, and cardiac arrest are well-described; however, intestinal smooth muscle dysfunction leading to paralytic ileus has never been reported in the setting of magnesium use for peripartum preeclampsia management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports