Abstract
Background
Acute traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in young adults. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological tools have been investigated and considered as potential mechanisms for improving neurological outcome. Magnesium has been considered as one of these potential therapeutic tools because of its activity on NMDA-receptors, calcium channels and neuron membranes. Animal studies have indicated a beneficial effect of magnesium on outcome after brain injury, but its efficacy in humans is unknown.
Objectives
To quantify the effect of magnesium administration on mortality and morbidity in patients with acute traumatic brain injury.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group’s specialised register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library issue 2, 2008), MEDLINE (and PubMed to 28 May, 2008: last 60 days), EMBASE, National Research Register, Current Controlled Trials, SIGLE, LILACS, and Zetoc. Searches were initially conducted in July 2005. The latest search was conducted in May 2008.
Selection criteria
We included all randomized controlled trials comparing any magnesium salt with no magnesium or with placebo, in patients following acute traumatic brain injury.
Data collection and analysis
Two authors independently screened search results and assessed the full texts of potentially relevant studies for inclusion. Data were extracted and methodological quality was examined.
Main results
Four studies met the inclusion criteria; one of which is an ongoing study. Data from three studies were included in the analysis. Data on mortality were only available in one study; RR 1.48 [1.00, 2.19], Test for overall effect: Z = 1.96 (P = 0.05). Glasgow Outcome Score at six months was described in the three studies. The Mean Difference = 0.02 (95% CI -0.38 to 0.041), Test for overall effect: Z = 0.08 (P = 0.94).
Authors’ conclusions
There is currently no evidence to support the use of magnesium salts in patients with acute traumatic brain injury.
Plain language summary
Magnesium for acute traumatic brain injury
Traumatic head injury is a leading cause of death and disability in the teenage population, primarily arising from traffic accidents. The estimated annual cost of treating and rehabilitating victims of head injury is approximately US$2Billion in the United States alone. Most of the neurological damage occurs at the time of injury, though the hours or days following the injury account for addition damage. It is believed that excessive calcium entry into the cells is the biggest threat to brain damage, in which the calcium excess ultimately leads to increased free radicals, proteolysis, initiation of apoptosis, and inflammation. As one of the most important ions in the central nervous system, magnesium is important in various physiological effects, such as ischemia, cellular energy metabolism, and protein synthesis. Magnesium is also a potent calcium channel blocker, and helps to control intracellular calcium activity. Magnesium increases cardiac output and cerebral blood flow. Low levels of magnesium can lead to an increase of intracellular calcium levels. Hypomagnesaemia is a risk to head injuries, and this has been associated with poor neurological outcome and increased mortality. Restoring the levels of magnesium may reduce edema, improve neurological and cognitive outcomes, and help with problems associated with ischemia.
