Hypercalcemia Flashcards
How do you correct calcium levels when patients have hypoalbuminemia?
Corrected Ca = Measured Ca + 0.02 x (40 - albumin)
What are normal calcium and albumin levels in a patient?
Normal range: 2.15 (KTPH: 2.2) to 2.58
Normal albumin = 40
What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia? (Bones, stones, groans, moans, thrones)
Bone: Bone pain
Stones
- Renal Stones
- NOT Gallstones
Groans: Abdominal pain, due to
- Urinary Colic (stones)
- Constipation
- Peptic Ulcer
- Pancreatitis
Moans: i.e. psychiatric overtones
- Altered Mental State
- Confusion
- Psychosis
- Seizures
Thrones i.e. toilet seat:
- Nephrogenic DI: Ca induced urinary salt wasting (polyuria, polydipsia)
- Nausea & Vomiting –> risk of severe dehydration
Others
- Vomiting
- Anorexia, LOW
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Hypertension
What are the ECG features of hypercalcemia?
The main ECG abnormality seen with hypercalcaemia is shortening of the QT interval
In severe hypercalcaemia, Osborn waves (J waves) may be seen
Ventricular irritability and VF arrest has been reported with extreme hypercalcaemia
What are the CVS symptoms of hypercalcemia?
- hypertension
- arrhythmia
- short QTC
- deposition of Ca on valves, coronary arteries, myocardial fibres
What are the GI symptoms of hypercalcemia?
- constipation
- anorexia
- nausea
- vomiting (groats)
- PUD
- pancreatitis
What are the renal symptoms of hypercalcemia?
- polyuria (nephrogenic DI)
- polydipsia
- nephrolithiasis (stones)
- renal failure (irreversible)
What are the msk symptoms of hypercalcemia?
- weakness
- bone pain
What are the psychiatric symptoms of hypercalcemia?
> 3 mmol/L
- increased alertness
- anxiety
- depression
- cognitive dysfunction
- organic brain syndromes
> 4 mml/L
- psychosis (moans)
What are the neurologic symptoms of hypercalcemia?
- hypotonia
- hyporeflexia
- myopathy
- paresis
A patient has hypercalcemia. PTH >2.2. Phosphate is low. High Urine Ca >200mg/24hrs What are the differentials?
Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by MEN 1 or 2A
- MEN 1: parathyroid, pancreatic, pituitary
- Men 2a: phaeo, medullary thyroid Ca, parathyroid
A patient has hypercalcemia. PTH >2.2. Phosphate is high. ↑Cr. What are the differentials?
Tertiary PTH (CKD related)
Primary PTH with renal failure
What are cancers that mets to the bone?
- thyroid
- lung
- breast
- kidneys
- ovaries
- prostate
What are the investigations to be performed for hyperca?
Initial: Ca / Pi / Mg, PTH
Subsequently (for specific etiology)
- FBC, Renal panel, Albumin, Alkaline phosphatase (osteolytic lesion)
- Parathyroid USS 🡪 for enlarged parathyroids
- Chest XR: Sarcoidosis, lymphoma (causes mediastinal invasion and enlargement)
- Bone scan: Metastasis to bone
- 24h urine Ca excretion, or check urine Ca/Cr ratio: FHH
- Urine protein electrophoresis: for MM
- TFT: hyperthyroidism
What is the mechanism of CKD causing 2’ hyperPTH?
CKD causing retention of Po4.
CKD reducing kidney’s ability to convert 25hydroxy Vit D to 1,25hydroxy, causing decreased calcium levels.
Increased Po4 and decreased calcium levels, causing increase iPTH levels.