Disorders of serum calcium in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

This study assessed the incidence of abnormal serum calcium levels in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A retrospective review of 66 patients with AIDS in an inner-city hospital was done. Fifty-four patients were intravenous drug abusers, and two patients were male homosexuals. None of the patients had lymphoma. Of the 66 patients, 17.9% were found to have hypocalcemia and 2.9% had hypercalcemia. The possible causative mechanisms are discussed.