Table of Contents
What can cause hypocalcemia?
Causes of hypocalcemia
- Vitamin D inadequacy or vitamin D resistance.
- Hypoparathyroidism following surgery.
- Hypoparathyroidism owing to autoimmune disease or genetic causes.
- Renal disease or end-stage liver disease causing vitamin D inadequacy.
- Pseudohypoparathyroidism or pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism.
What can you do for low calcium levels?
Treatment for low blood calcium Your doctor will prescribe calcium and vitamin D tablets for you if your blood calcium level is low. This usually keeps your blood calcium at a normal level. Eating foods with high levels of calcium will also help.
What is the leading cause of hypoparathyroidism?
The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is injury to the parathyroid glands during thyroid or neck surgery. It may also be caused by any of the following: Autoimmune attack on the parathyroid glands (common) Very low magnesium level in the blood (reversible)
What are the complications of hypocalcemia?
Complications of chronic hypocalcemia predominantly are those of bone disease. In addition, severe hypocalcemia may result in cardiovascular collapse, hypotension unresponsive to fluids and vasopressors, and dysrhythmias.
Who is most affected by hypoparathyroidism?
Affected Populations Hypoparathyroidism affects males and females in equal numbers. The incidence and prevalence of hypoparathyroidism in the general population are unknown. There are approximately 70,000 people with hypoparathyroidism in the United States. Hypoparathyroidism can affect individuals of any age.
What is the recommended treatment of hypoparathyroidism?
Currently, the standard treatment for hypoparathyroidism consists of activated vitamin D (calcitriol) and calcium supplements. Some people may also need magnesium supplementation.
When is low calcium an emergency?
Severe hypocalcemia, defined by a serum calcium <1.9 mmol/L (7.6 mg/dL), is often considered an emergency because of a potential risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias or seizures (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11).
Is high calcium an emergency?
Extremely high calcium levels can be a medical emergency. You might need hospitalization for treatment with IV fluids and diuretics to promptly lower the calcium level to prevent heart rhythm problems or damage to the nervous system.
What level of calcium is normal?
In our bodies, calcium is a mineral that makes up our bones, as well as a salt that dissolves in our blood and regulates bodily function. At UCLA, the normal range for blood calcium level is 8.6 to 10.3 mg/dL.