Clinical Calcium Homeostasis Flashcards
What are the dietary sources of calcium?
Milk/dairy
Broccoli, cabbage
Bony fish
Nuts
What is the function of calcium?
Neurotransmitter release
Bone formation
Cell division/growth
Muscle contraction
Where is calcium stored and in what proportions?
BONE - 99%
Cells - 1%
Extracellular fluid - 0.1%
What proportion of plasma calcium is bound?
45% bound to protein
10% Bound to other things
45% ionised - free
What is normal calcium?
2.2-2.6mmol/L
What is the effect of increased albumin on calcium?
Decreased free calcium
How do we adjust calcium for albumin levels?
0.1mmol calcium change for each 5g reduction in albumin from 40g
What is the effect of decreased albumin on calcium?
Increased free calcium
What is the effect of acidosis on calcium?
Increased ionised calcium - predisposes to hypercalcemia
What are the dietary sources of vitamin D?
Oily fish
Eggs
Fortified spreads/cereals
What do chief cells respond to in the parathyroid?
Changes in calcium concentrations
Changes in calcium ECF are sensed by what?
Calcium-sensing receptor
Increased calcium has what effect on the parathyroid?
Decreased PTH secretion
Decreased calcium has what effect on the parathyroid?
Increased PTH secretion
Lengthy exposure to increased PTH can lead to what?
Osteoporosis
What is the role of PTH?
Increased Ca2+ resorption from gut, renal tubules, bones
Mediates conversion of vitamin D to Calcitriol
What is vitamin D converted into in the liver?
25(OH) Vitamin D (inactive)
Which enzyme in the liver converts vitamin D, and what does it convert it to?
Vitamin D 25-hydroxylase
25(OH) Vitamin D (inactive)
Which enzyme in the kidney converts inactive vitamin D, and what does it convert it to?
25(OH) Vitamin D1a-hydroxylase
1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D (Active)
Which patients need activated vitamin D?
Low vitamin D in renal failure
What are the clinical features of acute hypocalcaemia?
TETANY PAPILLOEDEMA Trousseaus sign Chovstek's sign Seizures Parasethesia/twitching Carpopedal spasm Prolonged QT Hypotension Arrhythmia
When do symptoms of hypocalcaemia tend to develop?
Below 1.9mmol/L
What are the clinical features of chronic hypocalcaemia?
Ectopic calcification Extrapyramidal signs Parkinsonism Dementia Subcapsular cataracts Abnormal dentition Dry skin
What is Trosseau’s sign?
Sign of hypocalcaemia
Clawed wrist flexion when BP cuff inflated
What is Chovstek’s sign?
Sign of hypocalcaemia
Relax face, trap facial nerve
Corner of lip twitches towards finger
What is the most likely cause of hypocalcaemia in a recent thyroid surgery patient?
PTH gland damage/selective parathyroidectomy
What are the causes of hypocalcaemia with low PTH?
(Hypoparathyroidism) Post-surgery (thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy) Autoimmune Infiltration Radiation damage Hungry bone syndrome HIV
Which drug can cause magnesium deficiency?
Proton pump inhibitors
Cytotoxic drugs
What are the causes of hypocalcaemia with low PTH?
Genetic disorders Post-surgery Autoimmune Infiltration Radiation-induced damage to PT gland Hungry bone syndrome HIV infection