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Endocrine and metabolic emergencies: hypocalcaemia

Richard Carroll1, Glenn Matfin

  • 1Glenn Matfin Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; and Division of Endocrinology, New York University School of Medicine New York, NY, USA.

Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypocalcaemia, a common electrolyte imbalance, requires prompt emergency management due to significant risks. Effective chronic care can prevent future hospitalizations for both low and high calcium levels.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Endocrinology

Background:

  • Hypocalcaemia is a frequent electrolyte disturbance, particularly in hospitalized patients.
  • The causes of hypocalcaemia are diverse, necessitating accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.
  • Acute hypocalcaemia presents a medical emergency with substantial morbidity and mortality risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the causes and management of hypocalcaemia.
  • To emphasize the emergency nature of acute hypocalcaemia.
  • To outline strategies for chronic hypocalcaemia patient care to reduce readmissions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of hypocalcaemia causes and management strategies.
  • Discussion of diagnostic approaches based on underlying etiology.
  • Overview of acute and chronic care protocols.

Main Results:

  • Identification of varied causes of hypocalcaemia.
  • Confirmation of acute hypocalcaemia as a medical emergency.
  • Highlighting the importance of ongoing management for chronic hypocalcaemia.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt recognition and management of acute hypocalcaemia are critical.
  • Tailoring treatment to the specific cause of hypocalcaemia is essential.
  • Comprehensive chronic care can mitigate long-term complications and reduce healthcare utilization.

Keywords:
hypocalcaemiaparathyroid hormonevitamin D

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