[The effect of magnesium on blood coagulation--state of the art literature review from 1959 to 1995].

The effect of magnesium on coagulation system is still an interesting subject for investigations. Shionoya in his publication (1927) reported for the first time possible inhibitory effect of magnesium on coagulation system. Since then, a large number of studies were undertaken to explain the mechanisms of influence of Mg++ on plasma coagulation, platelet function and fibrinolysis. In recent decades, the effect of magnesium on coagulation has led to controversy in a wide range of scientific publications. At present, series of experiments are undertaken in laboratories using modern methodology to evaluate the possible effect of magnesium on coagulation. The results of Anders's and Frisch's study reported here support the theory of the authors, who found no change in coagulation in the presence of physiological concentration of magnesium in blood serum. The influence on the final results, often contradictory, could have: different type of study (in vitro or in vivo), the object of the study (human being, animal), concentrations of magnesium (in most of cases non-physiologic and toxic) and out of date methodology. In majority of reported here studies there were no control groups, and clinical trials were not a double blind studies.