It is a decrease in the total amount of calcium ion in plasma, below the value considered normal (8.5 mg/dL or 2.1 mmol/L). Calcium is an important element for the functioning of muscles, especially muscles of the limbs and heart.
The most frequent causes are: hypoparathyroidism, complete removal of the thyroid gland, pancreatitis, vitamin D deficiency and hypomagnesemia.
It manifests with sensory alterations in the form of tingling of the fingers and around the mouth; muscle spasms may also appear. The most severe cases present tetany due to intense muscular rigidity.
The diagnosis is clinical, by means of interrogation, physical examination and an analytical study. Other complementary tests may be performed to determine the triggering cause.
Treatment is with oral calcium and vitamin D which promotes intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption of calcium. In severe cases, hospital admission may be necessary for treatment with intravenous calcium and magnesium and treatment of the responsible disease.
- David Goltzman. Etiology of hypocalcemia in adults. UpToDate, Enero 2016
- Cooper MS. Diagnosis and management of hypocalcaemia. BMJ 2008; 336:1298.
- David Goltzman. Diagnostic approach to hipocalcemia. UpToDate, Julio 2014
- Tohme JF. Hypocalcemic emergencies. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 1993; 22:363.
- Sundeep Khosla. Hipercalcemia e hipocalcemia. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 65
