Magnesium as an Adjunct to Nodal Agents for Rapid Atrial Fibrillation

Patients treated with 4.5 g Mg IV achieved rate control significantly more often — and more quickly — than those treated with placebo.

Magnesium is occasionally used as an adjunct to atrioventricular nodal blocking agents for patients in atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. However, although a 2007 meta-analysis supported its use (Am J Cardiol 2007; 99:1726), the optimal dose of magnesium has remained unclear. Researchers in Tunisia performed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of magnesium sulfate in adults with atrial fibrillation and heart rates >120 beats per minute who received digoxin, diltiazem, or beta blockade. Patients were randomized to receive saline, 4.5 g magnesium sulfate IV, or 9 g magnesium sulfate IV. The primary outcome was rate reduction ≥20% from baseline or to ≤90 beats per minute; secondary outcomes included conversion to sinus r…

Reviewing Author

Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Board Member); American College of Healthcare Executives – Massachusetts (Board Member)

Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Board Member); American College of Healthcare Executives – Massachusetts (Board Member)

Magnesium as an Adjunct to Nodal Agents for Rapid Atrial Fibrillation

Topics

Reviewing Author