Hypercalcemia Symptom and Hypercalcemia Cause by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Hypercalcemia is defined as an excessive amount of calcium in the blood.

Hypercalcemia symptom

Symptoms of hypercalcemia can influence many organs and tissues of the body. For instance, in the skeletal system, hypercalcemia can lead to bone pain, spinal column curvature, and pathological fractures. Abnominal symptoms of hypercalcemia include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Pschological symptoms of hypercalcemia could include depression, irritability, apathy, and dementia. In the musculoskeletal system, hypercalcemia can lead to the symptoms of weakness, muscle twitches, and muscle atrophy. Kidneys can be damaged and lead to frequent urination.

Hypercalcemia Cause

The two most common causes of hypercalcemia are primary hyperparathyroidism and cancer. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia and is due to excess PTH. Parathyroidectomy is the only curative intervention for primary hyperparathyroidism. Another cause of hypercalcemia is multiple myeloma.
     Some malignant tumors (for example, lung cancers, breast cancer) produce PTH-related peptide which increases blood calcium. Excess vitamin D (hypervitaminosis D) from diet or inflammatory diseases can also cause hypercalcemia. Kidney failure, adrenal gland failure, hyperthyroidism, prolonged immobilization, use of a class of diuretics called thiazides, and ingestion of massive amounts of calcium (milk-alkali syndrome) are other potential hypercalcemia causes.

Hypercalcemia Treatment
In the rare cases of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who present with clinical symptoms due to their hypercalcemia, pharmacological treatment may be required. Fluid repletion and intravenous (IV) administration of bisphosphonates are recommended in the literature. Calcium receptor agonists (calcimimetic agents) are at the present time only available for use within clinical trials. Cancer patients usually present with symptoms of hypercalcemia. Rapid institution of antihypercalcemic treatment is essential in preventing life-threatening deterioration. Fluid repletion and administration of bisphosphonates are the treatment mainstays in hypercalcemia of malignancy. Five bisphosphonates are currently licensed in Europe for treatment of tumor-associated hypercalcemia: etidronate, clodronate, pamidronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate. In the US, pamidronate and zoledronate are licensed for use in this indication. Bisphosphonates containing nitrogen atoms (e.g. pamidronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate) are more potent than those without (e.g. etidronate, clodronate, and tiludronate). In patients with malignant hypercalcemia, the efficacy of the individual bisphosphonate depends on dose administered and initial serum calcium concentration.

Hypercalcemia symptom

Hypercalcemia cause