Hypocalcemia

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Hypocalcemia is a kind of electrolyte imbalance wherein there is low calcium levels in the blood. The
normal calcium level in the blood stream is at 9-10.5 mg/dl or 2.2-2.6 mmol/L.

Calcium is an important electrolyte in the body because it is used for normal cell function, neural
transmission, membrane stability, bone structure, blood coagulation and others. Deficiency of which can
cause cerebrovascular attack or stroke and cardio-pulmonary problems. In worst cases where there is
very low or very high levels of calcium, death may occur.

Causes:

There are many reasons why hypocalcaemia occurs because of

Other electrolyte imbalances such as hypoalbuminemia which is the most common cause of
hypocalcemia; hypomagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia. Calcium and phosphate are inversely
proportional so when calcium levels are low, phosphate levels are high.
Conditions such as acute pancreatitis, toxic shock syndrome, high calcitonin levels, hepatic or
renal insufficiency, patients with trauma, tuberculosis, hemochromatosis and other diseases.
Effects of ...
... medication such as Phenobarbital since it enhance vitamin D catabolism which
decreases the absorption of calcium. Other substances like calcitonin, proton pump inhibitors,
selective serotonin inhibitors, estrogen, cimetidine and others.
Post-surgical problems such as parathyroid adenoma resection, pacreatectomy, small bowel
syndrome.
Apoplexy which is a sudden neurologic impairment because of a vascular process. Apoplexy
usually happens during a cerebro-vascular accident.

Symptoms
Positive Chvostek's sign. This is done by tapping the front of the earlobe at about 2 cm. if there
is ipsilateral twitching of the face, there is neuromuscular irritability.
Positive Trousseau's sign. This is done by putting the BP cuff on the arm and inflating it more
than the systolic pressure. After leaving for 2 to 3 minutes, if there is a carpal spasm, then it
indicates hypocalcemia
Diaphoresis, bronchospasm, dry skin, dermatitis, eczema

Treatment

Current health articles suggest that following the guidelines when treating hypocalcemia is still the best
method.

For mild hypocalcemia: oral medication may be given or an intravenous line will be administered for the
medication. For severe hypocalcemia: the patient is given supportive treatments such as oxygen, intravenous
replacement, and monitoring. Doses of about 100-300 elemental calcium- calcium gluconate 10 ml to be
given over 5-10 minutes.

hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
hemoptysis