Magnesium status and parenteral magnesium sulphate therapy in acute aluminum phosphide intoxication

The results of an open randomized study on magnesium status and parenteral magnesium sulphate therapy in acute aluminium phosphide intoxication are presented. The study was conducted on 105 patients divided into two group (I & II). Patients of Group I did not receive parenteral magnesium and acted as blank. Magnesium levels were monitored every 6 h for 24 h. Patients of group II received magnesium sulphate therapy. It was administered as 1.0 g (8.1 mEq or 4.05 mmol) magnesium sulphate dissolved in 100 ml of 5 per cent dextrose intravenously as a bolus dose followed by 1.0 g every hour for three successive hours, then 1.0 g every 6 h as a maintenance dose for the next 24 h as intravenous infusion in 5 per cent dextrose. The total dose of magnesium sulphate infused was 30.0 mmol over a period of 24 h (initial dose), then 16.0 mmol (4.0 g) daily till final outcome or a maximum of five days. All the vital parameters were monitored. All the patients were followed till final outcome. The resuscitation methods used were the same in both groups. At the end of the study, mortality rates were calculated in both groups. Hypomagnesaemia was observed as the constant finding in patients of Group I. It was transient and reversed itself without MgSO4. The mortality rate was 52 per cent. On the other hand, magnesium levels rose immediately after parenteral MgSO4 administration in patients of group II and they remained persistently above normal during the observed period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)