Acute Hypocalcaemia Flashcards
What can cause acute hypocalcaemia?
Parathyroid insufficiency
Vit D deficiency
- From pancreatitis
Bisphosphonates
What is the definition of hypocalcaemia?
Serum calcium <2.2mmol/l-1
What are the MSK symptoms of acute hypocalcaemia?
Parasthaesia
Twitches
Seizures
Laryngo/Bronchospasm
What are the symptoms of chronic hypocalcaemia?
Extrapyrimidal signs
Parkinsonism
Dementia
Abnormal dentition
What are the signs of acute hypocalcaemia?
Trousseau’s sign
Chovstek’s sign
What is trousseau’s sign?
Italian meme when BP cuff applied
What is chovstek’s sign?
Abnormal facial nerve response to stimulation
What test’s should be done?
Serum calcium is diagnostic
Emergency ECG
- Long QT segment
What other blood tests should be done?
Serum PTH
Vit D
Magnesium
What is important about magnesium in relation to PTH?
If magnesium is low as well as PTH = Mg def.
If magnesium is normal and PTH is low = hypoparathyroidism
What is the treatment of mild hypocalcaemia?
Calcium tablets
What is the treatment of hypocalcaemia caused by Vit D deficiency?
Vit D tablets
What is the treatment for severe hypocalcaemia?
IV calcium gluconate
Dextrose
Closely monitor ECG
