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The effect of oral magnesium carbonate or aluminium hydroxide on serum ionised calcium, total calcium, aluminium and magnesium, was assessed in 31 patients with chronic renal failure, during and after one haemodialysis. The behaviour of ionised calcium and total calcium was the same in both groups. Each showed a slight fall during dialysis, which was not significant. Serum total calcium was 0.2-0.3 mmol/l (0.8-1.2 mg/dl) greater throughout the period of dialysis in the group taking aluminium hydroxide. Serum magnesium and aluminium were both lower in the group treated with magnesium carbonate. In the group taking magnesium carbonate, serum magnesium concentrations fell markedly during dialysis, but otherwise were maintained within the reference range by the use of a magnesium-free dialysate. These results show the effectiveness of magnesium carbonate oral phosphate-binding agents and zero magnesium dialysate in reducing serum aluminium without affecting the behaviour of serum calcium fractions during dialysis.

The control of hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients is frequently achieved using aluminium hydroxide (A1(OH)3) and/or calcium carbonate (Ca CO3). However, this effect is counterbalanced by risk of aluminium intoxication and hypercalcemia. An alternative to the use of these phosphate binders is the prescription of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) in association with a magnesium free dialysate. 19 patients with subtoxic plasma aluminium concentration received such a therapy. 9 months after starting the essay 4 patients had been excluded for digestive intolerance (3 cases) and neuro-psychic symptoms related to hypermagnesemia (1 case) after therapy with maximal doses of 6 to 12 g/d. Plasma inorganic phosphorus was decreased from 2.47 +/- 0.32 to 1.86 +/- 0.40 mmol/l (P less than 0.05) and plasma aluminium from 3.03 +/- 0.93 to 1.52 +/- 0.15 mumol/l (P less than 0.05). The results have been obtained without any significant increase in plasma and red cell magnesium levels. Metabolic alkalosis has been observed in association with the increase of ion exchange resin (sodium polystyrene sulfonate: Kayexalate) to treat progressive hyperkalemia. With the exception of possible metabolic effects occurring on a long term basis, Mg(OH)2 in association with magnesium-free dialysate seems of value to treat dialysis hyperphosphatemia.