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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Hypercalcemia in children and adolescents.
Steven A Lietman1, Emily L Germain-Lee, Michael A Levine
1Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. lietmas@ccf.org
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|July 6, 2010
Summary
This review defines pediatric hypercalcemia, its causes, and treatments. It highlights familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia as a rare genetic cause and outlines management strategies for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Calcium Homeostasis
- Genetic Disorders
Background:
- Serum calcium levels are tightly regulated by parathyroid, renal, and skeletal systems.
- Hypercalcemia in children presents unique challenges compared to adults.
- Understanding age-specific causes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define hypercalcemia levels in children.
- To outline common and rare causes of pediatric hypercalcemia.
- To provide treatment guidelines for practicing pediatricians.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric hypercalcemia.
- Distinguishing between neonate/infant and older child/adolescent presentations.
- Analysis of genetic mutations associated with hypercalcemia.
Main Results:
- Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, a rare genetic cause, results from Ca-sensing receptor gene mutations.
- Milder CASR mutations can cause homozygous hypercalcemia.
- Hypercalcemia is often linked to osteoclastic bone resorption.
Conclusions:
- Initial treatment for severe hypercalcemia involves increasing urinary calcium excretion.
- Agents inhibiting osteoclasts are effective treatments.
- Parathyroid surgery is recommended for children with primary hyperparathyroidism.
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