Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is low serum corrected/ionized calcium. Clinical: neuromuscular irritability (tetany, Chvostek/Trousseau signs, paresthesias, muscle cramps, seizures), prolonged QT interval/arrhythmia, and confusion. Causes: hypoparathyroidism, vitamin-D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, hyperphosphatemia, massive transfusion, and pancreatitis. Treatment: IV calcium gluconate for symptomatic/severe; oral calcium/vitamin-D for chronic; treat underlying cause.

Common Symptoms

Tetany; paresthesias; muscle cramps; seizures; Chvostek/Trousseau signs; prolonged QT/arrhythmia

Causes and Pathogenesis

Hypoparathyroidism, vitamin-D deficiency, or renal disease lowers serum calcium, increasing neuromuscular excitability and prolonging cardiac QT.

Treatment

IV calcium gluconate for severe/symptomatic; oral calcium + active vitamin-D; treat hypoparathyroidism/CKD/vitamin-D deficiency

Preventive Measures

Calcium/vitamin-D adequacy; monitor post-thyroid surgery; treat CKD/vitamin-D deficiency.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Endocrinology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.