Lecture 6: Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbance - Ca, Mg, PO Flashcards
Free Ca2+ is important for what part of tissue excitability/AP’s?
Effect of low and high Ca2+ levels?
- Calcium controls the AP threshold
- ↓ Ca2+ lowers threshold
- ↑ Ca2+ raises threshold
What is the effect of hypoalbuminemia on serum Ca2+ levels?
- Decreases TOTAL serum [Ca2+]
- WITHOUT affecting ionized Ca2+ level
*Ionized Ca2+ is free and unbound!
If serum albumin is abnormal, clinical decisions should be based on which level of Ca2+?
IONIZED Ca2+ levels
Which 3 hormones regulate Ca2+ levels?
- Calcitriol (1,25 OH Vit D3) –> works to ↑Ca2+
- PTH –> works to ↑Ca2+
- Calcitonin –> ↓Ca2+
3 major sites of regulation for Ca2+?
1) Kidney
2) Bone
3) Intestine
What are the main effects of PTH on serum ion levels?
↑ plasma [Ca2+] and ↓ plasma [PO43-] —> increased ionized plasma Ca2+
What are the 3 main sites of action for PTH?
- Distal nephron to increase Ca2+ reabsorption
- Inhibits PO43- reabsorption in proximal tubule
- Enhances bone release of Ca2+
Secretion of PTH is controlled chiefy by serum [Ca2+] acting where?
Calcium-sensing receptors on parathyroid cells
65% of filtered calcium is reabsorbed where?
Predominantly by which type of transport?
- Proximal tubule
- Predominantly paracellular (passive)
Where in the nephron is the major site of calcium regulation?
Distal tubule
How is calcium reabsorbed in the distal tubule, the major site of regulation?
Regulated by which hormone?
- Renal epithelial Ca2+ channel (TRPV5) - along with calnindin
- Regulated by 1,25 vitamin D3 (calcitriol)
What are major causes of Hypercalcemia?
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Thiazide diuretics
- Milk-alkali syndrome (i.e., antacids)
- Malignancy
- Immobilization syndrome
- Granulomatous Dz
Hypercalcemia is almost always causes by increased entry of calcium into the ECF due to what 2 factors?
- Bone resorption
- Intestinal absorption
Severe hypercalcemia is often associated with symptoms related to what 2 systems and what are they?
- GI sx’s = anorexia, N/V, and constipation
- Neuro = weakness, fatigue, confusion, stupor, and coma
How does polyuria, nausea and vomiting associated with hypercalcemia contribute to worseing sx’s?
Cause marked hypovolemia, resulting in impaired calcium excretion, thereby worsening the hypercalcemia
What are drugs/treatments that can be given for the management of hypercalcemia?
- ECF volume replacement w/ 0.9% saline
- Furosemide = Ca2+ losing diuretic
- Calcitonin
- Glucocorticoids
- Hemodialysis
For hypercalcemia not responding to saline diuresis, and especially if secondary to malignancy, therapy with what is required?
Bisphosphonates
True hypocalcemia is present only when which level is reduced?
Ionized calcium
Common causes of hypocalcemia?
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Rhabdomyolysis = Ca2+ in injured ms.
- Parathyroidectomy
- Pseudohypoparathyroidism –> failure to respond to PTH
- Familial hypocalcemia
- Vit D deficiency
- Septic shock
Major cardiovascular signs/sx’s of hypocalcemia?
- Hypotension
- CHF
- Dysrhythmias
Major neuromuscular irritability signs/sx’s of hypocalcemia?
- Paresthesias, numbness
- Muscle twitching and cramping
- Tetany
- General fatigability and muscle weakness
- Seizures