Final answer:
Hypermagnesemia is an excess of magnesium in the blood with causes including renal insufficiency, hypercalcemia, adrenal insufficiency, hyperparathyroidism, multiple myeloma, rhabdomyolysis, and metabolic alkalosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Hypermagnesemia
The condition of hypermagnesemia results from an excess of magnesium in the blood. Various factors can cause this imbalance. One common cause is renal insufficiency, where the kidneys cannot properly excrete magnesium. In association with hypermagnesemia, certain conditions like hypercalcemia can also be present, which is characterized by elevated calcium levels that can lead to lethargy and sluggish reflexes among other symptoms. Other causes include adrenal insufficiency, diabetic ketoacidosis, and excessive intake of magnesium, typically from supplements or medications like antacids and laxatives.
Medical conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, characterized by tumors in the parathyroid glands, and multiple myeloma can also lead to hypermagnesemia. Hyperparathyroidism causes high serum calcium levels and can result in kidney stones, while multiple myeloma can lead to cast nephropathy. Moreover, conditions such as rhabdomyolysis, tissue breakdown, also contribute to elevated magnesium levels.
Other risk factors include metabolic disturbances like metabolic alkalosis, which can be brought on by factors like the excessive use of diuretics or laxatives, and loss of stomach acids through vomiting. Chronic diseases such as diabetes can also lead to magnesium imbalances, as seen in related hypomagnesemia cases.