Hypocalcemia Flashcards
What is Hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia is defined as a serum calcium level of below 2.20
What are the six causes of Hypocalcemia?
The six causes of Hypocalcemia are
Hypoparathyroidsim
Severe vitamin D deficiency
Cytotoxic drug induced hypocalcaemia
Pancreatitis
Rhabdomyolysis
Large volume blood transfusions
At what calcium level do symptoms develop?
Typicaly symptoms develop once the serum calcium falls below 1.9mmol/L
Rate of fall contributes to onset of symptoms
What are the eight acute neuromuscular symptoms of Hypocalcemia?
The acute nuromuscular symptoms are
Paraesthesia (pins and needles)
Muscle twitching
Carpopedal spasm
Trousseau’s signs
Chovstek’s sign
Seizures
Laryngospasm
Bronchospasm
What are the five cardiac symptoms of Hypocalcemia?
The cardiac symptoms of Hypocalcemia are
Prolonged QT interval
Hypotension
Heart failure
Arrythmia
Papilloedema
What are the chronic clinical features of Hypocalcemia?
The clinical features of chronic Hypocalcemia are
Extopic calcification
Extrapyrmidal signs
Parkinsons
Dementia
Subcapsular cataracts
Abnormal dentition
Dry skin
What are the features of a history that helps the diagnosis of hypocalemia?
Features of the history that help diagnose hypocalemia are
History of ay symptoms
Ca and Vit D deficiency
Neck surgery
Autoimmune disorders
Medications
Family history
What are the investgations used to diagnose suspected hypocalemia?
Investigations usd to diagnose hypocalemia are
Serum calcium
Albumin
Phosphate
PTH
U&E’s
Vitamin D
ECG
Magnesium
What are the treatments for mild/asymptomatic hypocaceamia?
The treatments for mild/asymptomatic hypocaceamia are
Oral calcium tablets
If post thyroidectomy repeat calcium 24 hours later
Vitamin D supplements (if Vit D deficient)
If low in Mg2+ stop perscribing any drug and replace mg2+
