Transdermal Magnesium for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single-Arm, Open-Label...

Peripheral neuropathy is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may be multifactorial in origin, resulting from uremia, hyperkalemia, and diabetes. Previous studies have suggested that magnesium plays a crucial role in chronic pain. Studies evaluating magnesium in neuropathy have demonstrated mixed results. To provide preliminary data on the effectiveness of transdermal magnesium in treating peripheral neuropathy related to CKD. Twenty participants with advanced CKD were enrolled from a major teaching hospital clinic in Sydney, Australia. Each participant was provided with a spray bottle containing magnesium chloride and instructed to apply five sprays to each limb affected by neuropathy daily for 12 weeks. Participants completed the Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6 (NTSS-6) every 4 weeks during follow-up. Serum magnesium concentrations were measured at 4-week intervals. Twenty participants were recruited, of which 14 completed the 12-week follow-up period. Mean age was 78.90 years, 80.00% were female and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m². With intention to treat analysis (mean [95% confidence interval]), NTSS-6 was significantly reduced at weeks 8 (4.04 [2.43-5.65]) and 12 (4.26 [2.47-6.05]), compared with baseline (6.92 [5.29-8.55]), p < 0.05. Serum magnesium concentration did not change significantly during the study. This pilot study suggests that transdermal magnesium may be beneficial in reducing frequency and severity of peripheral neuropathic symptoms in patients with advanced CKD. australianclinicaltrials.gov.au. Identifier: ACTRN12621000841875. Date first registered January 7, 2021.