Hypercalcemia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management, Complications, Prevention, and Monitoring for Effective Patient Care
Definition and Causes
Hypercalcemia refers to elevated levels of calcium in the blood (>10.5 mg/dL or >2.6 mmol/L).
Common causes include:
Primary hyperparathyroidism (most common in ambulatory patients).
Malignancy-associated hypercalcemia (common in hospitalized patients).
Vitamin D intoxication, prolonged immobilization, or medications (e.g., thiazides, lithium).
Clinical Features
Symptoms range from mild to severe and are summarized as "stones, bones, moans, and groans":
Renal: Polyuria, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis.
Skeletal: Bone pain, fractures.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain.
Neurological: Fatigue, confusion, depression, or coma in severe cases.
Diagnosis
Initial tests: Serum calcium (corrected for albumin), ionized calcium, PTH, vitamin D levels.
Further evaluation: Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), imaging for malignancy, or granulomatous diseases (e.g., sarcoidosis).
Management
Acute/severe cases:
Intravenous fluids (normal saline) to restore hydration.
Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) after rehydration to enhance calcium excretion.
Bisphosphonates or calcitonin to reduce bone resorption.
Chronic management: Treat underlying cause (e.g., surg
ery for parathyroid adenoma, adjust medications).
Complications
Cardiovascular: Arrhythmias, hypertension.
Renal: Chronic kidney disease, nephrocalcinosis.
Skeletal: Osteoporosis, fractures.
Neurological: Permanent cognitive impairment if untreated.
Prevention and Monitoring
Preventing hypercalcemia involves addressing underlying risk factors, such as avoiding excessive calcium or vitamin D supplementation and managing conditions like hyperparathyroidism early.
Regular monitoring of serum calcium and renal function is essential in at-risk patients, especially those with a history of hypercalcemia, malignancies, or chronic kidney disease. Lifestyle measures, including adequate hydration and physical activity, can also help reduce the risk of complications.
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