Overdosage of Calcarea phosphorica causes severe hypocalcaemia in a toddler

Deepanjan Bhattacharya1

  • 1Resident Doctor, Medical College Kolkata, Kolkata, India.

Tropical Doctor
|April 3, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A child experienced accidental overdose of Calcarea phosphorica, leading to hypocalcaemia and prolonged QTc interval. Prompt treatment with intravenous calcium successfully resolved the condition.

Area of Science:

  • Homeopathy
  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Accidental ingestion of homeopathic remedies can occur in children.
  • Calcarea phosphorica is a homeopathic preparation derived from calcium phosphate.
  • Understanding the potential toxicity of high-dose homeopathic ingestions is crucial for pediatric care.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old girl ingested 200 tablets of Calcarea phosphorica.
  • Despite being asymptomatic, the child presented with significant hypocalcaemia.
  • Electrocardiogram revealed a prolonged QTc interval, indicating potential cardiac effects.

Findings:

  • The patient exhibited marked hypocalcaemia following the ingestion.
  • The prolonged QTc interval suggests a risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
  • The case highlights the potential for physiological effects from high-dose homeopathic remedies.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering homeopathic ingestions in pediatric toxicology evaluations.
  • Prompt recognition and management of hypocalcaemia are essential to prevent adverse cardiac events.
  • Further research into the safety and efficacy of high-dose homeopathic preparations is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton 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.
5.6K
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin00:51

Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
4.0K
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
183
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
3.6K
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
180
Introduction to Electrolytes01:33

Introduction 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...
14.9K