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from Section 3.11 - Metabolic Disorders
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 July 2023
Key Learning Points
1. Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body and its numerous essential roles include exocrine, endocrine and neurocrine function, mediation of muscle contraction and coagulation.
2. Normal serum calcium concentrations are tightly regulated by the kidney, gastrointestinal tract and bone, under the influence of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin.
3. The effects of hypercalcaemia may be memorised as groans (constipation), bones (bone pain), stones (kidney stones) and moans (psychosis).
4. Treatment of hypercalcaemia is dependent on severity, with the mainstay involving hydration/intravenous administration of 0.9% saline to dilute plasma calcium, alongside treatment of the underlying cause.
5. One of the most frequent causes of hypocalcaemia in critical illness is hypoalbuminaemia.
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