Hypercalcemia
Calcium is important in many physiological processes of the body including blood coagulation, normal cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction and nerve function.
When the total serum calcium is less than 7mg/dl, it is called hypocalcemia.
When the total serum calcium is greater than 11mg/dl, it is termed as hypercalcemia.
In today’s issue, let us discuss hypercalcemia. Clinically, this condition will manifest as:
– hypotonia
– weakness
– restlessness with irritability
– anorexia
– headache
– weight loss
– vomiting
– polydipsia
– and polyuria
The following are the usual causes of hypercalcemia:
– idiopathic
– subcutaneous fat necrosis
– hyperparathyroidism
– benign familial hypercalcemia
– renal transplantation in secondary hyperparathyroidism
– vitamin D intoxication
– vitamin A intoxication
– Sarcoidosis, tuberculosis
– tumors
– immobilization
– milk alkaline syndrome
– thyroid disorders
– thiazide diuretics
– and hyperproteinemia
If the serum calcium is very high like greater than 15mg/dl, it is a condition of severe hypercalcemia and is a medical emergency.
Physicians should do immediate and prompt measures to lower the serum calcium and to eliminate the cause of hypercalcemia.