Chronic Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Leading to Refractory Hypomagnesaemia in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Abstract

The widespread utilization of proton pump inhibitors has surged in recent times, making them one of the most frequently prescribed medications. Magnesium, a crucial intracellular cation, contributes to numerous cellular functions. Depleted magnesium levels can trigger a range of adverse events. The cause of hypomagnesaemia associated with proton pump inhibitors remains uncertain. A 43-year-old female presented Out Patient Department (OPD) of Hayatabad Medical Complex, with a range of symptoms including weakness, anorexia, lethargy, tremor, and muscle fasciculation. She is a diagnosed case of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Following her Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis, she commenced prednisone treatment, which induced epigastric pain. Consequently, she initiated proton pump inhibitors usage for a prolonged period of 12 years, leading to PPI-induced hypomagnesaemia. The objective of this study is to avoid unnecessary use of PPIs and if someone use it for chronic condition then Magnesium level should be assessed during that time to avoid any dreadful complication of hypomagnesaemia like arrhythmias.