Magnesium in cystic fibrosis--Systematic review of the literature

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#aminoglycosides #cystic-fibrosis #deoxyribonucleases #dietary-supplements #enzyme-replacement-therapy

Magnesium in cystic fibrosis--Systematic review of the literature

Santi et al., 2016 | Pediatr Pulmonol | Systematic Review

Citation

Santi Maristella, Milani Gregorio P, ... Lava Sebastiano A G. Magnesium in cystic fibrosis--Systematic review of the literature. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016-Feb;51(2):196-202. doi:10.1002/ppul.23356

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The metabolism of sodium, potassium, and chloride and the acid-base balance are sometimes altered in cystic fibrosis. Textbooks and reviews only marginally address the homeostasis of magnesium in cystic fibrosis. METHODS: We performed a search of the Medical Subject Headings terms (cystic fibrosis OR mucoviscidosis) AND (magnesium OR hypomagnes[a]emia) in the US National Library of Medicine and Excerpta Medica databases. RESULTS: We identified 25 reports dealing with magnesium and cystic fibrosis. The results of the review may be summarized as follows. First, hypomagnesemia affects more than half of the cystic fibrosis patients with advanced disease; second, magnesemia, which is normally age-independent, relevantly decreases with age in cystic fibrosis; third, aminoglycoside antimicrobials frequently induce both acute and chronic renal magnesium-wasting; fourth, sweat magnesium concentration was normal in cystic fibrosis patients; fifth, limited data suggest the existence of an impaired intestinal magnesium balance. Finally, stimulating observations suggest that magnesium supplements might achieve an improvement in respiratory muscle strength and mucolytic activity of both recombinant and endogenous deoxyribonuclease. CONCLUSIONS: The first comprehensive review of the literature confirms that, despite being one of the most prevalent minerals in the body, the importance of magnesium in cystic fibrosis is largely overlooked. In these patients, hypomagnesemia should be sought once a year. Furthermore, the potential of supplementation with this cation deserves more attention.

Key Findings

We identified 25 reports dealing with magnesium and cystic fibrosis. The results of the review may be summarized as follows. First, hypomagnesemia affects more than half of the cystic fibrosis patients with advanced disease; second, magnesemia, which is normally age-independent, relevantly decreases with age in cystic fibrosis; third, aminoglycoside antimicrobials frequently induce both acute and chronic renal magnesium-wasting; fourth, sweat magnesium concentration was normal in cystic fibrosis

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population advanced disease
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aminoglycosides
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Deoxyribonucleases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy
  • Expectorants
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa
  • Kidney
  • Magnesium
  • Muscle Strength
  • Respiratory Muscles
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

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