Calcium - Hypercalcaemia

Causes

Hyperparathyroidism both primary and secondary, primary from adenoma or carcinoma and secondary due to renal failure. Malignancy in other forms from breast, renal, lung and myeloma, medications, calcium, antacids, lithium, thiazides and also caused by immobility and milk alkali syndrome.

Symptoms and signs

The signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia can be described in systems:

Neurological

• Lethargy, confusion, coma

Psychiatric

• Depression, psychosis

Renal

• Nephrolithiasis, polyuria, renal failure

Gastrointestinal

• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, pancreatitis

Other

• Proximal muscle weakness, bone loss

Management

At times urgent but not necessarily emergent treatment required so you do have time to discuss options.

You can begin fluid resuscitation immediately. Ensure euvolaemia prior to introducing loop diuretics as hypercalcaemia is usually associated with polyuria and thus most patients are dehydrated at presentation.

• IV 0.9% saline rehydration

  • Dilutes Ca2+ in serum

• Loop diuretics (e.g. frusemide)

  • Increases renal Ca2+ excretion

• Biphosphonates

  • Inhibit osteoclast function in bone therefore decreasing Ca2+ into the serum

  • Seek advice before administration and in dosing. If an intravenous preparation is used it must be administered slowly.

Treat the underlying cause, which may or may not necessarily be part of early ED management.