endocrinology *

Cofactor in Coagulation

Calcium plays a crucial role in the blood coagulation process.

Skeletal Mineralisation

Calcium is essential for the mineralization of bones and teeth.

Membrane Stabilisation

Calcium contributes to the stabilization of cellular membranes.

Neuronal Conduction

Calcium is vital for transmitting electrical impulses in neurons.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Bone Resorption

The process by which calcium is released from the bones into the bloodstream.

Calcium Absorption from the Intestine

Parathyroid hormone promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines.

Calcium Reabsorption from the Kidneys

PTH increases the reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys to maintain calcium levels.

Vitamin D Deficiency

A cause of hypocalcemia where insufficient vitamin D leads to reduced calcium levels.

Hypoparathyroidism

A condition characterized by insufficient production of parathyroid hormone, leading to low calcium.

Chronic Renal Failure

A condition that can lead to decreased calcium levels due to impaired renal function.

Magnesium Deficiency

Low magnesium can lead to hypocalcemia due to its role in parathyroid hormone secretion.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism

A genetic disorder that causes hypocalcemia despite high PTH levels.

Acute Pancreatitis

A condition that can cause hypocalcemia due to fat saponification and calcium binding.

Multiple Citrated Blood Transfusions

A cause of hypocalcemia due to the citric acid binding calcium in blood products.

Paresthesia

A symptom of hypocalcemia characterized by tingling sensations.

Chvostek's Sign

A clinical sign indicating hypocalcemia, observed by facial muscle twitching upon tapping.

Trousseau Sign

A clinical sign indicating hypocalcemia, elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff.

Seizures

A potential consequence of hypocalcemia due to increased neuronal excitability.

Basal Ganglia Calcification

A condition associated with chronic hypocalcemia that affects brain structures.

Cataracts

Clouding of the lens of the eye that can be a consequence of long-term hypocalcemia.

Dental Hypoplasia

Underdevelopment of tooth enamel associated with hypocalcemia.

ECG Abnormalities

Changes in the electrocardiogram, such as a long QT interval, seen in hypocalcemia.

History of Neck Surgery

A risk factor for hypocalcemia due to potential damage to the parathyroid glands.

Autoimmune Conditions

Conditions like Graves or Addison's that may increase the risk of hypocalcemia.

Congenital Defects

Genetic abnormalities that can predispose individuals to hypocalcemia.

Drug History

Certain medications, such as antiepileptics, may contribute to low calcium levels.

Growth Failure

A potential consequence of chronic hypocalcemia in children.

Asymptomatic Hypocalcemia

A condition where calcium levels are >1.9mmol/L without symptoms.

Symptomatic Hypocalcemia

A condition where calcium levels are <1.9mmol/L with observable symptoms.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

A leading cause of hypercalcemia due to excessive PTH production.

Thiazides

Medications that can lead to hypercalcemia by promoting calcium retention.

Thyrotoxicosis

A condition that can cause elevated calcium levels in the blood.

Sarcoidosis

A granulomatous disease that can lead to increased calcium levels.

Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia

A genetic condition characterized by high calcium levels due to low urinary calcium excretion.

Immobilisation

A state that can result in hypercalcemia due to lack of weight-bearing activities.

Milk-Alkali Syndrome

A condition caused by excessive calcium intake leading to hypercalcemia.

Adrenal Insufficiency

A condition that may present with hypercalcemia as part of its symptoms.

Phaeochromocytoma

A rare tumor that can lead to increased calcium levels.

Malignancy

Certain cancers can cause hypercalcemia due to bone metastasis.

Confusion

A symptom that may arise in hypercalcemia patients due to neurological involvement.

Hypotonia

Low muscle tone that can be associated with hypercalcemia.

Hyporeflexia

Reduced reflex responses seen in patients with hypercalcemia.

Dehydration

A consequence of hypercalcemia that may lead to severe complications.

Goitre

Enlargement of the thyroid gland that can be associated with hyperthyroidism.

Tremor

An involuntary muscle contraction that may be seen in hypercalcemia.

Warm Moist Skin

A sign of hyperthyroidism due to increased metabolic activity.

Tachycardia

Increased heart rate that can occur in patients with hypercalcemia.

Eye Signs

Ophthalmologic manifestations that may present in hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Bruit

An abnormal sound heard on auscultation of the thyroid gland.

Muscle Weakness

Reduced muscle strength often seen in hyperthyroidism.

Atrial Fibrillation

An irregular heartbeat that can result from hypercalcemia.

Dexamethasone

A steroid that suppresses cortisol production to treat conditions like Cushing's.

Thyroid Function Tests

Investigations used to assess thyroid hormone levels and function.

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by low thyroid hormone production.

Thyroid Antibodies

Autoantibodies that may be present in conditions like Hashimoto thyroiditis.

Levothyroxine

A synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.

Delayed Eruption

Slower dental development that can occur due to hypothyroidism.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Underdevelopment of tooth enamel potentially related to endocrine disorders.

Macroglossia

An enlarged tongue often seen in patients with endocrine abnormalities.

Micrognathia

A condition where the mandible is underdeveloped, possibly linked to hypothyroidism.

Thick Lips

A sign that can be associated with various endocrine disorders.

Dysgeusia

A distortion of the sense of taste that may occur in hypothyroidism.

Grave's Disease

An autoimmune disorder leading to hyperthyroidism due to overstimulation of the thyroid.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates thyroid hormone secretion.

Hashimoto Thyroiditis

An autoimmune condition leading to hypothyroidism due to destruction of the thyroid.

Exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyes commonly associated with Grave's disease.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weakened bones, which may occur in Cushing's syndrome.

Cushing's Disease

Hypercortisolism caused by a pituitary adenoma leading to increased ACTH production.

Adrenal Insufficiency

A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones.

Familial Adrenal Disease

A genetic disorder that affects adrenal function, leading to cortisol deficiency.

Hydrocortisone

A steroid hormone used as replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency.

Polyuria

Excessive urination often seen in conditions like diabetes insipidus.

Cerebral Oedema

A possible complication of diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in children.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

A test used to diagnose diabetes by measuring glucose levels after ingestion of glucose.

Diabetes Mellitus

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin issues.

Metformin

A medication that improves glucose uptake in the body without causing weight gain.

Sulphonylureas

A class of drugs that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.

Pioglitazone

A diabetes medication that increases insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissues.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by high blood ketone levels.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State

A life-threatening condition from untreated diabetes with high glucose levels.

Hypoglycaemia

Low blood sugar levels that can cause symptoms like sweating and tremors.