Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels in patients with chronic renal failure.

In 62 patients with chronic renal failure the concentration of total and ultrafiltrable magnesium in plasma water was significantly raised and showed a weak but significant correlation with the degree of renal failure expressed by serum creatinine concentration. Erythrocyte magnesium concentration increased significantly showing a more significant correlation with the degree of renal failure than the plasma magnesium level. The fluid used for dialysis contained 1.5 mEq/l of magnesium and this failed to prevent the rise of concentration of this electrolyte in the plasma and erythrocytes. A statistically significant positive correlation was demonstrated between the concentrations of magnesium and ultrafiltrable calcium in patients with creatinine concentration below 4 mg/100 ml.