Calcium Disorders Flashcards
what are the symptoms of acute hypercalcaemia?
thirst, dehydration, confusion and polyuria
what are the symptoms of chronic hypercalcaemia?
myopathy, osteopenia, fractures, depression, hypertension, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, ulcers and renal stones.
‘Stones, groans, bones and psychic moans’
what is the main test for hypercalcaemia?
PTH (parathyroid hormone)
what are the two main causes of hypercalcaemia?
primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy
how do we diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism?
raised serum calcium, raised PTH, increased urine calcium
how does malignancy cause hypercalcaemia?
bone destruction, PTH related protein from solid tumours, osteoclast activation
how do we diagnose hypercalcaemia of malignancy?
raised calcium and ALP, X-ray, CT and MRI. isotope bone scan. suppressed PTH
what are the indication for parathyroidectomy?
end organ damage, high calcium, under 50, epidermal growth factor receptor low
what is primary hyperpara? how would this show on results?
primary overactivity of parathyroid e.g. adenoma. results = PTH up, Ca up
what is secondary hyperpara? how would this show on results?
physiological response to low calcium.
Results = Ca low, PTH up
what is tertiary hyperpara? how would this show on results?
parathyroid becomes autonomous after many years of secondary.
Results = Ca up, PTH up
what is hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia?
familial hypercalcaemia, usually asymptomatic
some general symptoms of hypocalcaemia?
paraesthesia, muscle cramps/weakness, fatigue, bronchospasm, fits,
what ecg sign can indication hypocalcaemia?
QT prolongation
what is Chovsteks sign?
tapping over the facial nerve
