Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis

Hypocalcemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hypocalcemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
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
Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis
Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hypocalcemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hypocalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis

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

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview

The clinical features of hypocalcemia may vary widely, which ranges from asymptomatic symptoms to life-threatening complications.The main factors that influence the serum calcium levels are parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, the calcium ions, and phosphate.Hypocalcemia is commonly encountered in patients who are hospitalized. Undertreatment or improper treatment of hypocalcemic emergencies can lead to significant morbidity.Death is rare but has been reported in hypocalcemia patients.

Natural History

• The clinical presentation of hypocalcemia vary widely, ranges from asymptomatic symptoms to life-threatening complications.
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, the calcium ions, and phosphate are the main regulators that influence the serum calcium levels.
• As the people age the calcium requirement also increases and risk for calcium deficiency also increases by age.
• Poor calcium intake,certain medications,dietary intolerance,hormonal changes and genetic factors may lead to hypocalcemia.

Complications

• Common complications of hypocalcemia include
  • Bone disease like
    • Osteoporosis,Complications from osteoporosis include
      • Fractures 
      • Disability
  • Cardiovascular collapse with Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Hypotension which is unresponsive to fluids and vasopressors,
  • Dysrhythmias
  • Laryngospasm
  • Seizures
  • Tetany
  • Basal ganglia calcification
  • Parkinsonism
  • Hemiballismus
  • Choreoathetosis

Prognosis

• Prognosis is generally good when hypocalcemia treated accordingly.
• The concentrations of ionized calcium on day 3 could be very useful for the prediction of mortality and disability in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).