Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
10:24
Cytosolic Calcium Measurements in Renal Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 28, 2014
The calcium-alkali syndrome.
Mariangeli Arroyo1, Andrew Z Fenves, Michael Emmett
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|April 2, 2013
Summary
The calcium-alkali syndrome, caused by excessive calcium carbonate intake, can lead to hypercalcemia and kidney issues. Prompt discontinuation of supplements and treatment can reverse these effects.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Milk-alkali syndrome, historically linked to peptic ulcer treatment, declined with modern acid-suppressing medications.
- A resurgence of hypercalcemia and alkalosis cases points to a new entity: calcium-alkali syndrome.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old woman presented with hypercalcemia, acute kidney injury, and metabolic alkalosis.
- Her symptoms were attributed to high intake of calcium carbonate for heartburn relief.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of calcium carbonate supplements and supportive care resolved the patient's hypercalcemia, alkalosis, and renal failure.
- This case highlights the clinical presentation and reversibility of calcium-alkali syndrome.
Implications:
- Calcium-alkali syndrome is an emerging cause of hypercalcemia and renal dysfunction.
- Awareness of this syndrome is crucial for clinicians managing patients with hypercalcemia and those ingesting calcium supplements.
- Understanding the differences between milk-alkali and calcium-alkali syndromes aids in diagnosis and management.
Related Concept Videos
00:42Ionic Bonds
Overview
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
01:28Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Liddle syndrome is a genetically inherited form of hypertension characterized by the overactivity of epithelial sodium channels in the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. This heightened activity leads to increased sodium reabsorption and excessive excretion of potassium. To counteract this, potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride are used. They function by blocking these sodium channels, thereby reducing the influx of sodium into the epithelial cells and minimizing the loss of...
01:29Sulfate Attack on Concrete
Sulfate attack on concrete is a deterioration process characterized by a whitish discoloration beginning at the edges and corners, accompanied by cracking and spalling. This phenomenon occurs when sulfates react with the components of hardened concrete, forming compounds like calcium sulfate and calcium sulfoaluminate which occupy more space than the substances they replace, causing the concrete to expand and disrupt.
Sulfates from sources like soil, groundwater, or industrial effluents...
Sulfates from sources like soil, groundwater, or industrial effluents...
01:29Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
01:33Introduction to Electrolytes
In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Role of Sodium
One...