Document 2885
 DOCN  M94A2885
 TI    Magnesium level and peripheral neuropathy.
 DT    9412
 AU    Stroud S; Salvato P; Thompson C; Med. Univ., Charleston, SC.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):202 (abstract no. PB0235). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369690
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To determine if a relationship exists between low serum
       magnesium (Mg) levels and symptoms characteristic of peripheral
       neuropathy. METHODS: 68 pts. with HIV infection (59 AIDS) provided data.
       Histories were compatible with sensory dysfunction. Physical exams
       revealed abnormal sensory findings in feet/legs, reduced pinprick and
       vibratory sensations, with reduced/absent ankle jerks. 46 pts. had EMG
       nerve studies: 38 showed peripheral neuropathy. Exclusions: neurotoxic
       drugs, alcohol abuse, and diabetes. All pts. had normal vitamin B12
       levels, normal thyroid function, and decreased serum Mg levels (mean
       1.2). Pts. received an initial IV replacement of Mg and subsequent oral
       replacement. Mg levels were drawn monthly. RESULTS: Response was
       measured by improved pinprick and vibratory sensation, increased ankle
       jerk, decreased subjective pain, and decreased pain medication. 46 pts.
       (78%) had improvement in symptoms within 24-48 hours. 22 pts. (32%)
       showed no initial improvement. 7 of the 22 (32%), however, showed
       improvement after subsequent oral Mg (mean 14 days). At 12 months, 13
       pts. were lost to follow-up. The remaining 55 pts. (81%) continued to
       demonstrate improvement in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Mg deficiency is a
       cause of sensory peripheral neuropathy-like symptoms in HIV disease. Mg
       replacement appears to be a beneficial treatment for sensory
       neuropathics in late stage HIV disease, both reducing morbidity and
       decreasing use of pain medications. Mg levels should be evaluated in HIV
       patients presenting with sensory neuropathy.
 DE    Human  HIV Infections/BLOOD/*COMPLICATIONS  Magnesium/BLOOD/THERAPEUTIC
       USE  Magnesium Deficiency/*COMPLICATIONS  Peripheral Nervous System
       Diseases/*BLOOD/DRUG THERAPY/ETIOLOGY  Sensation Disorders/BLOOD/DRUG
       THERAPY/ETIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).