Endocrinology Flashcards
(283 cards)
what are the symptoms of hypercalcaemia?
confusion hallucinations stupor fatigue and easy tiring constipation muscle weakness (from slow muscle contractions) slow or absent reflexes
what feature in a patient’s history may give signs of chronic hypercalcaemia?
a history of kidney stones
what is the most classic sign of hypercalcaemia?
Slow or absent reflexes
how does hypercalcaemia slow muscle contractions and reflexes
sodium channels are stabilised by calcium channels if there is excess calcium in the action potential is harder to reach meaning that neurons are less excitable
what metabolic state does hypercalcaemia predispose to?
metabolic acidosis
what features would you find on ECG of hypercalcaemia?
bradycardia AV block shortened QT interval
how do you diagnose hypercalcaemia?
serum calcium levels > 10.5
what are common causes of hypercalcaemia?
THe CHIMPANZEES
Thyrotoxicosis
Excess Vitamin D + A
C onsumption of calcium H ydration (dehydration) // hyperparathyroid I mmobilisation M yeloma (+leukaemias) P arathyroid cancer/ademoma A drenal insufficiency N eoplasm (Breast and lung + mets prostate) (thia) Z ide diuretics E thanol Excess PTH S arcoidosis
what is the management of hypercalcaemia?
increase urinary excretion by using loop diuretics (frusemide) and increasing fluids + bisphosphonates to prevent bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastsadj. glucocorticoids (beclamethosone) -> prevent bone resorption
what little rhyme can help you remember the symptoms of hypercalcaemia?
stones bones abdominal moans , thrones and psychic groans
what are common causes of hypocalcaemia?
HPV x2
hypoparathyroidism vitamin D deficiency hypo magnesium hyperventilation Phosphate infusions pancreatitis
what are the uncommon causes of hypocalcaemia?
renal failure burns and sepsis
w patient adjusted calcium comes back at <3mmol, are they likely to be symptomatic?
no
what is the management of the patient who presents with serum calcium of 3-3.5
prompt treatment with fluids and bisphosphonates
what is the management of a patient who presents the serum calcium of >3.5
urgent correction
fluids + diuretics (loop)
consider glucocorticoids
Bisphosphonates
what is pseudo-hypocalcaemia?
hypocalcaemia caused by hypo albuminemia as there is less bound calcium but ionised Calcium is the same
what are the symptoms of hypocalcaemia?
muscle cramps abdominal pain. Oral tingling seizures in extreme cases tetany with involuntary muscle contractions tachycardia brisk reflexes and abnormal ones paraesthesia numbness and tingling as well as poor memory and slowed thinking
what is the effect of hypocalcaemia on action potential?
causes neuronal Destability allowing for easier depolarisation
what abnormal reflexes can be seen in hypocalcaemia?
Chavatekes and Trousseuds
what ECG changes can hypocalcaemia cause
arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation prolonged ST segment and prolonged QT interval
describe primary hyperparathyroidism
and endocrine disorder in which there is autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone resulting in deranged calcium homeostasis
what are the usual causes of primary hyperparathyroidism
parathyroid adenoma - can also be caused by radiation and lithium therapy
does hyperparathyroidism always cause high calcium?
now can also be normal cosmic despite high PTH
as well as the normal symptoms for hypercalcaemia what else can be present in hyperparathyroidism?
bone pain easy fractures and a history of osteoporosis/osteopenia