Magnesium Supplementation with Special Reference to Alcohol-Related Conditions: Experience from Russia

Abstract

Intravenous infusions of magnesium-containing solutions were routinely applied in Russia as treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other alcohol-related conditions. However, this indiscriminate approach is unfounded and may cause more harm than benefit. Magnesium deficiency is associated with certain circulatory, neuropsychiatric and metabolic conditions. The frequency of hypomagnesemia is enhanced in cases of chronic alcoholism. However, moderate deficiency does not necessarily require parenteral magnesium supplementation. Iatrogenic hypermagnesemia is associated with adverse effects. Endovascular manipulations in conditions of suboptimal procedural quality assurance can cause transmission of viral hepatitis. To decide if an intravenous magnesium supplementation is indicated, it should first be determined whether there is a deficiency and, if so, whether it can be compensated by diet or by oral intake of magnesium-containing drugs.

Surgical Procedures with Questionable Indications Used in Russia

“…127 The following treatments were applied to alcoholics: prolonged intravenous drip infusions, sorbent haemoperfusion, pyrotherapy with sulfozine, endoscopic and surgical biopsies of internal organs without clear indications, also for research. [127][128][129][130][131][132][133] Infusions for the purpose of detoxification were generally recommended for patients with alcoholism including moderately severe withdrawal syndrome: 7-10 infusions daily, sometimes combined with intramuscular injections. [132][133][134][135][136] The detoxification was regarded to be "indicated to nearly all alcohol-depended patients, especially to those with prolonged withdrawal syndrome."…”

The Russo-Ukrainian Conflict: Social, Psychological and Medical Perspectives

“…The following treatments were applied to alcoholics: prolonged intravenous infusions, sorbent hemoperfusion, endolymphatic and endobronchial drug delivery, pyrotherapy with sulfozine (oil solution of sulphur for intramuscular injections), endoscopic and surgical biopsies of internal organs, endoscopic cholangiopancreatography and angiography without clear indications also for research [128][129][130]. The detoxification by intravenous infusions of sodium chloride, dextran, magnesium (Mg) sulphate, glucose solutions etc.…”