This is an elevated blood calcium level of more than 10.5 mg/dL. Calcium is involved in many metabolic enzymatic reactions and in the regulation of muscle contraction.
The most common causes are: Elevated calcium levels are usually caused by excess parathyroid hormone, tumours, kidney dysfunction, and medications that cause vitamin D excess.
The most common symptoms are muscle fatigue, mental disorders (anxiety, depression, stupor, coma), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, bone disorders (pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.), high blood pressure and gout. In more severe cases, it can cause mental disorders, severe muscular disorders or severe gastrointestinal disorders.
The diagnosis is made clinically, by interview and physical examination. It is confirmed by a blood test that shows an increased concentration of calcium.
The underlying cause should be treated and the blood calcium concentration lowered with plenty of fluids and diuretics. Once the cause is treated, bisphosphonates and calcitonin are added to the treatment.
- Elizabeth Shane, MD. Etiology of hypercalcemia. UpToDate Apr 29, 2015.
- Elizabeth Shane, MD. Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia. UpToDate. Aug 05, 2016.
- Shane, E, Dinaz, I. Hypercalcemia: Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and managment. In: Favus, MJ, ed. Primer on the metabolic bone diseases and disorders of mineral metabolism. Sixth ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins. 2006; 26:176.
- Khosla S. Hipercalcemia e hipocalcemia. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición: 313-315.
- Potts JT. Jüppner H. Trastornos de las glándulas paratiroides y la homeostasis del calcio. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 2469-2482.
