Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
07:51
Mechanical Control of Relaxation Using Intact Cardiac Trabeculae
Published on: February 17, 2023
1.6K
Facing cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia: sit back and relax?
Pieter Evenepoel1, Rukshana Shroff2
1KU Leuven, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Laboratory of Nephrology, Leuven, Belgium.
Kidney International
|May 25, 2018
Summary
Cinacalcet commonly causes hypocalcemia, which usually resolves on its own. However, calcium repletion might be beneficial, challenging a passive approach to managing this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cinacalcet is a calcimimetic agent used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism.
- Hypocalcemia is a known side effect of cinacalcet therapy.
- The clinical significance and optimal management of cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, characteristics, and natural course of cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia.
- To evaluate the implications of these findings for clinical management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Post hoc analysis of data from the EVOLVE study.
- Examination of cinacalcet-treated patients with documented hypocalcemia.
Main Results:
- Cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia is a frequent occurrence.
- The majority of cases are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously.
- Previous research suggests potential benefits of calcium repletion in specific patient groups.
Conclusions:
- While often benign and self-resolving, cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia requires careful consideration.
- A "sit back and relax" approach may not be universally appropriate, suggesting a need for individualized management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
6.0K
The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
6.0K
01:28Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
3.1K
Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
3.1K
01:31Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
996
Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx...
996
01:21Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
853
Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Unlike...
853
01:24Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
1.3K
Centrally acting muscle relaxants reduce muscle tone and tension by interfering with the postsynaptic reflexes in the central nervous system.
Centrally acting drugs are classified into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine inhibit spinal motor neurons and decrease muscle tone. Spasmolytic drugs are administered for severe and chronic spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord and muscle injuries. However,...
Centrally acting drugs are classified into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine inhibit spinal motor neurons and decrease muscle tone. Spasmolytic drugs are administered for severe and chronic spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord and muscle injuries. However,...
1.3K
01:28Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation
997
Nuclear relaxation restores the equilibrium population imbalance and can occur via spin–lattice or spin–spin mechanisms, which are first-order exponential decay processes.
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers...
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers...
997