Perioperative systemic magnesium to minimize postoperative pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#analgesics-opioid #data-interpretation-statistical #dizziness #endpoint-determination #headache

Perioperative systemic magnesium to minimize postoperative pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

De et al., 2013 | Anesthesiology | Meta Analysis

Citation

De Oliveira Gildasio S, Castro-Alves Lucas J, ... McCarthy Robert J. Perioperative systemic magnesium to minimize postoperative pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Anesthesiology. 2013-Jul;119(1):178-90. doi:10.1097/ALN.0b013e318297630d

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Systemic magnesium has been used to minimize postoperative pain with conflicting results by clinical studies. It remains unknown whether the administration of perioperative systemic magnesium can minimize postoperative pain. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of systemic magnesium on postoperative pain outcomes. METHODS: A wide search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of systemic magnesium on postoperative pain outcomes in surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Publication bias was evaluated by examining the presence of asymmetric funnel plots using Egger regression. RESULTS: Twenty randomized clinical trials with 1,257 subjects were included. The weighted mean difference (99% CI) of the combined effects favored magnesium over control for pain at rest (≤4 h, -0.74 [-1.08 to -0.48]; 24 h, -0.36 [-0.63 to -0.09]) and with movement at 24 h, -0.73 (-1.37 to -0.1). Opioid consumption was largely decreased in the systemic magnesium group compared with control, weighted mean difference (99% CI) of -10.52 (-13.50 to -7.54) mg morphine IV equivalents. Publication bias was not present in any of the analysis. Significant heterogeneity was present in some analysis, but it could be partially explained by the sole intraoperative administration of magnesium compared with the intraoperative and postoperative administration. None of the studies reported clinical toxicity related to toxic serum levels of magnesium. CONCLUSION: Systemic administration of perioperative magnesium reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Magnesium administration should be considered as a strategy to mitigate postoperative pain in surgical patients.

Key Findings

Twenty randomized clinical trials with 1,257 subjects were included. The weighted mean difference (99% CI) of the combined effects favored magnesium over control for pain at rest (≤4 h, -0.74 [-1.08 to -0.48]; 24 h, -0.36 [-0.63 to -0.09]) and with movement at 24 h, -0.73 (-1.37 to -0.1). Opioid consumption was largely decreased in the systemic magnesium group compared with control, weighted mean difference (99% CI) of -10.52 (-13.50 to -7.54) mg morphine IV equivalents. Publication bias was not

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1257
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Dizziness
  • Endpoint Determination
  • Headache
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Compounds
  • Movement
  • Pain Management
  • Postoperative Pain
  • Perioperative Care
  • Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Rest
  • Shivering
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09