Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Measuring Fast Calcium Fluxes in Cardiomyocytes
Published on: November 29, 2011
Long on QT and low on calcium
Timothy J Bradley1, Daniel L Metzger, Shubhayan Sanatani
1Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.
Insights
Hypocalcemia can rarely cause prolonged QT intervals and arrhythmias in children. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Acquired QT interval prolongation is an uncommon cause of pediatric arrhythmia.
- Hypocalcemia, a state of low calcium levels, can lead to cardiac electrical disturbances.
Observation:
- This study presents four pediatric cases of hypocalcemia-induced QT interval prolongation.
- The cases illustrate a diverse range of clinical presentations.
Findings:
- Hypocalcemia can manifest as acquired QT interval prolongation and arrhythmia in children.
- Early identification and intervention are key to managing these cardiac events.
Implications:
- Endocrinal evaluation is important to rule out underlying calcium metabolism disorders.
- Timely cardiac monitoring and calcium replacement therapy are vital for patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Acquired lengthening of the QT interval due to hypocalcaemia is a rare cause of arrhythmia in childhood. Early recognition, rapid institution of appropriate cardiac monitoring, and replacement therapy are essential. An endocrinal work-up may be necessary to exclude primary disorders of calcium metabolism. We report four cases documenting the varied clinical spectrum in which hypocalcaemic-induced prolongation of the QT interval and arrhythmia can occur in childhood.
Related Concept Videos
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
Introduction to Electrolytes
Role of Sodium
One...
Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
