Magnesium Supplementation Shortens Hemodialysis-Associated Prolonged QT

Abstract

Hemodialysis affects myocardial depolarization and repolarization notably lengthening the QT interval. Prolonged QT, in turn, has been a reliable surrogate for higher risk of potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias. We present an adolescent girl with end-stage kidney disease who consistently developed prolonged QT following hemodialysis sessions. Interestingly, her QT intervals were inversely correlated with her serum magnesium levels. Magnesium supplementation appeared to help reduce the QT prolongation after hemodialysis. Our case shows the potential utility of magnesium as a cardioprotective agent in hemodialysis patients. We recommend that patients undergoing hemodialysis receive frequent electrocardiograms and electrolytes monitoring for tailored electrolytes management to reduce the risk of developing potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias.