Navarro JF, Mora C, Macia M, Gallego E, Chahin J, Mendez M, et al
Relationship between magnesium and intact PTH concentration in patients on hemodialysis
Am Soc Nephrol
J Am Soc Nephrol (abstract) (Sep) 7:1816 1996

The authors investigated the possible influence of Mg on PTH levels in 50 hemodialysis patients treated for a mean of 46 months and followed for a mean of 27 months. Patients were categorized according to PTH levels: <120 pg/ml, 120-250 pg/ml, and >250 pg/ml. Patients in the low PTH group had higher Mg levels (mean 2.7 mg/dl) than the other 2 groups (2.3 mg/dl). Regression analysis showed a negative correlation between Mg and PTH levels. The authors question whether chronic hypermagnesemia could have a suppressant effect on PTH and whether hypermagnesemia may play a role in adynamic bone disease.

Comment: Magnesium does suppress PTH secretion in vitro but several previous studies have shown no relationship in dialysis patients. It is odd that the authors do not mention levels of calcium or phosphorus or other critical variables. A multiple linear regression analysis would then be appropriate. (James A. Delmez, M.D., Washington University, St. Louis)



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Am Soc Nephrol
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