Hypercalcemia (serum calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) can result from various conditions, the majority of which are due to hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Other causes include disorders leading to vitamin D elevation, granulomatous diseases, and the use of certain pharmacological agents. Calcium levels are regulated and affected by factors such as dietary intake and pH, and the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and albumin. Symptoms vary depending on calcium levels and the onset of hypercalcemia. Generally, neuropsychiatric (confusion, altered mental status), GI (vomiting, abdominal pain), musculoskeletal (bone pain, weakness), and renal (polyuria, polydipsia) manifestations are seen. Confirmation of hypercalcemia is required. Correction of the value is based on the albumin levels or after determining the ionized calcium levels (the metabolically active form), which is followed by determining PTH levels. Subsequent laboratory tests and imaging studies are ordered based on history and presentation. Correction of hypercalcemia depends on its severity. Calcium levels > 14 mg/dL are treated using IV isotonic saline hydration, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates. Hemodialysis is considered in rare cases. Treatment of the underlying cause is recommended.
Last updated: May 12, 2023
Calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with 99% found in bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Bones: Structure and Types alone. Calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes in blood exists in 3 forms:
Levels:
Importance of calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes:
Bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Bones: Structure and Types, intestine, and kidneys Kidneys The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located retroperitoneally against the posterior wall of the abdomen on either side of the spine. As part of the urinary tract, the kidneys are responsible for blood filtration and excretion of water-soluble waste in the urine. Kidneys: Anatomy are involved in homeostasis Homeostasis The processes whereby the internal environment of an organism tends to remain balanced and stable. Cell Injury and Death.
Key elements of calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes regulation:
Schematic diagram of calcium regulation:
Low plasma calcium stimulates the release of parathyroid hormone, which increases calcium and phosphate release from the bone, calcium absorption in the GI tract, and vitamin D production in the kidneys. Active vitamin D, in turn, increases calcium release from the bones and calcium absorption in the small intestine.
Formation of active vitamin D:
In the presence of sunlight, 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in the skin.
Vitamin D2 (plant sources/supplements) and vitamin D3 (animal sources/supplements) are obtained from the diet.
Both forms require a 2-step enzymatic hydroxylation process before they can exert biological effects.
Vitamin D2/D3 is converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcidiol) in the liver. In the kidney, calcidiol is converted to 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (calcitriol), which is the active form.
Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia (serum calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) can result from various conditions, the majority of which are due to hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Other causes include disorders leading to vitamin D elevation, granulomatous diseases, and the use of certain pharmacological agents. Symptoms vary depending on calcium levels and the onset of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is characterized by elevated calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes levels and generally results from any 1 of these factors or a combination:
Increased bone resorption Bone resorption Bone loss due to osteoclastic activity. Bones: Remodeling and Healing:
Increased calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes absorption Absorption Absorption involves the uptake of nutrient molecules and their transfer from the lumen of the GI tract across the enterocytes and into the interstitial space, where they can be taken up in the venous or lymphatic circulation. Digestion and Absorption:
Others:
Manifestations depend on the level and onset of hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia (serum calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) can result from various conditions, the majority of which are due to hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Other causes include disorders leading to vitamin D elevation, granulomatous diseases, and the use of certain pharmacological agents. Symptoms vary depending on calcium levels and the onset of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia.
To recall the common clinical symptoms of hypercalcemia, remember “groans, bones, stones, moans, thrones, and psychic overtones”:
The diagnosis of hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia (serum calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) can result from various conditions, the majority of which are due to hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Other causes include disorders leading to vitamin D elevation, granulomatous diseases, and the use of certain pharmacological agents. Symptoms vary depending on calcium levels and the onset of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is made based on a serum calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes level, and additional workup (in conjunction with the patient’s history and presentation) is done to determine the underlying etiology.
Serum calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes levels:[1,9]
Serum phosphorus:[1]
Urine calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes:[1,8,9]
Intact PTH levels:[1,9,10]
PTH levels | Diagnosis and additional workup |
---|---|
Elevated | Primary hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism is a condition associated with elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Depending on the pathogenesis of this condition, hyperparathyroidism can be defined as primary, secondary or tertiary. Hyperparathyroidism |
Normal/slightly increased |
|
Low |
|
Simplified diagnostic algorithm for hypercalcemia, for use if the etiology is not readily apparent:[1,8‒10]
1,25(OH)2D: calcitriol; 25(OH)D: calcidiol;
ACTH: adrenocorticotropic hormone;
Ca2+: calcium;
FHH: familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia;
PTH: parathyroid hormone;
PTHrP: PTH-related protein;
SPEP: serum protein electrophoresis;
TSH: thyroid-stimulating hormone;
UPEP: urine protein electrophoresis
Urgent treatment is required for symptomatic hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia (serum calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) can result from various conditions, the majority of which are due to hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Other causes include disorders leading to vitamin D elevation, granulomatous diseases, and the use of certain pharmacological agents. Symptoms vary depending on calcium levels and the onset of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia. For both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship, the underlying cause must be identified and treated in addition to the electrolyte abnormalities.
Management guidelines vary depending on practice location. The following information is based on US, UK, and European literature and guidelines.
1st line:[1,7,9‒17]
2nd line:[1,7,9–17]
Monitoring:[12]
Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism is a condition associated with elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Depending on the pathogenesis of this condition, hyperparathyroidism can be defined as primary, secondary or tertiary. Hyperparathyroidism:[7,9,10,12]
Granulomatous disease Granulomatous disease A defect of leukocyte function in which phagocytic cells ingest but fail to digest bacteria, resulting in recurring bacterial infections with granuloma formation. When chronic granulomatous disease is caused by mutations in the cybb gene, the condition is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. When chronic granulomatous disease is caused by cyba, ncf1, ncf2, or ncf4 gene mutations, the condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID):[1,9–13]
Vitamin D Vitamin D A vitamin that includes both cholecalciferols and ergocalciferols, which have the common effect of preventing or curing rickets in animals. It can also be viewed as a hormone since it can be formed in skin by action of ultraviolet rays upon the precursors, 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol, and acts on vitamin D receptors to regulate calcium in opposition to parathyroid hormone. Fat-soluble Vitamins and their Deficiencies intoxication:[1,7,10–13]
Other:[12,15]
Class | Medication | Indication | Dose |
---|---|---|---|
Calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes metabolism modifier | Calcitonin Calcitonin A peptide hormone that lowers calcium concentration in the blood. In humans, it is released by thyroid cells and acts to decrease the formation and absorptive activity of osteoclasts. Its role in regulating plasma calcium is much greater in children and in certain diseases than in normal adults. Other Antiresorptive Drugs | 4–8 IU/kg IM or SC every 6–12 hours | |
Bisphosphonates Bisphosphonates Bisphosphonates are pyrophosphate analogs most well-known for treating osteoporosis by preventing bone loss. Bisphosphonates end in the suffix “-dronate” or “-dronic acid” (e.g., alendronate, risedronate, pamidronate) and bind to hydroxyapatite crystals in bone, inhibiting osteoclast-induced bone resorption. Bisphosphonates | Pamidronate Pamidronate An aminobisphosphonate that inhibits bone resorption and is used for the treatment of osteolytic lesions, bone pain, and severe hypercalcemia associated with malignancies. Bisphosphonates | 60–90 mg IV over 2–4 hours | |
Zoledronic acid Zoledronic acid An imidobisphosphonate inhibitor of bone resorption that is used for the treatment of malignancy-related hypercalcemia; osteitis deformans; and osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates | 4 mg IV over ≥ 15–30 minutes | ||
Ibandronic acid | 2–4 mg over 2 hours | ||
Monoclonal antibody | Denosumab Denosumab A humanized monoclonal antibody and an inhibitor of the rank ligand, which regulates osteoclast differentiation and bone remodeling. It is used as a bone density conservation agent in the treatment of osteoporosis. Other Antiresorptive Drugs | 120 mg SC weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly | |
Calcimimetic | Cinacalcet Cinacalcet Calcimimetics | Initial: 30 mg twice daily Increase every 2–4 weeks until calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes level normalizes |
|
Glucocorticoids Glucocorticoids Glucocorticoids are a class within the corticosteroid family. Glucocorticoids are chemically and functionally similar to endogenous cortisol. There are a wide array of indications, which primarily benefit from the antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of this class of drugs. Glucocorticoids | Hydrocortisone Hydrocortisone The main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Its synthetic counterpart is used, either as an injection or topically, in the treatment of inflammation, allergy, collagen diseases, asthma, adrenocortical deficiency, shock, and some neoplastic conditions. Immunosuppressants | 100–300 mg daily for 3–7 days | |
Prednisone Prednisone A synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from cortisone. It is biologically inert and converted to prednisolone in the liver. Immunosuppressants | 20–60 mg daily for 3–7 days |