Serum Calcium Imbalance (Hypocalcemia)

Hypocalcemia Diagnosed When?

Serum Calcium Concentration less than 8.5 mg/dL

Hypocalcemia Definition?

Definition: A deficiency of calcium in the serum. Mild hypocalcemia is asymptomatic. Severe hypocalcemia is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and tetany with hyperparesthesia of the hands, feet, lips, and tongue

Hypocalcemia Causes?

Causes:

-inadequate dietary insult of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D

-Inability to absorb calcium because of caffeine, phosphates, or certain antibiotics

-Chronic heart disease, causing a deficiency in activated vitamin D

-Pancreatitis

-Chronic diarrhea (including laxative abuse)

-Malabsorption syndromes

-Excessive calcium loss because of plasma protein depletion caused by malnutrition

-Massive blood product transfusions

Hypocalcemia Addition Causes?

Causes:

Hypocalcemia can also be caused by other electrolyte imbalances

-Hypomagnesemia: altered passive reabsorption of magnesium (magnesium plays a role in calcium reabsorption)

-Hyperphosphatemia: precipitates calcium in the tissues causing decreased plasma calcium levels

-Hypoparathyroidism: surgery of the head and neck, which alters the secretion of parathyroid hormone