Hypercalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis

Hypercalcemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hypercalcemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hypercalcemia On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hypercalcemia All Images X-rays Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hypercalcemia
CDC on Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia in the news
Blogs on Hypercalcemia
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hypercalcemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hypercalcemia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

• Mild hypercalcemia is usually asymptomatic and goes undetected in a large number of patients.
• Hypercalcemia may present in any age group depending on etiology and severity and presents initially with concentration and sleep abnormalities.

Complications

Possible complications include:

Gastrointestinal:

• Pancreatitis
• Peptic ulcer disease

Kidney:

• Calcium deposits in the kidney (nephrocalcinosis)
• Dehydration
• High blood pressure
• Kidney failure
• Kidney stones

Psychological:

• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking

Skeletal:

• Bone cysts
• Fractures
• Osteoporosis

These complications of long-term hypercalcemia are uncommon today.