Early radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis responds to magnesium therapy.

A group of 10 patients with cervical carcinoma with early radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis and low serum Mg levels was treated with low residue diet and antidiarrheals. The diarrhea cleared within a period of 2-6 weeks. A second group of 10 patients with hypomagnesemia was treated with intravenous infusion of Mg sulfate for 3 consecutive days. The diarrhea disappeared by the end of treatment, paralleling normalization of serum Mg levels.