Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
07:57
Integrated Compensatory Responses in a Human Model of Hemorrhage
Published on: November 20, 2016
13.0K
Calcium Supplementation in Tactical Combat Casualty Care
Riccardo De Luca1, Paolo Rossi1, Angelo Falcone1
1Italian Army.
Summary
Trauma-induced hypocalcemia worsens outcomes in severely injured patients. This review examines calcium supplementation
Area of Science:
- Trauma Medicine
- Critical Care
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Hypocalcemia is linked to increased mortality in trauma patients.
- Trauma-induced hypocalcemia exacerbates the lethal triad (coagulopathy, acidosis, hypothermia) and impairs cardiovascular function.
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) protocols address hemorrhage and shock, including blood products and calcium to prevent citrate toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for calcium supplementation in military trauma care.
- To evaluate the benefits and risks of universal calcium administration, even without blood products.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on calcium, trauma, and military medicine.
- Analysis of evidence regarding calcium's role in coagulation and hemodynamic stability.
- Examination of potential risks and challenges associated with calcium use in combat settings.
Main Results:
- Calcium is crucial for coagulation and hemodynamic stability.
- Hypocalcemia significantly correlates with higher mortality in trauma populations.
- Debate exists on universal calcium supplementation, particularly when blood products are unavailable.
Conclusions:
- Calcium plays a vital role in managing trauma-induced hypocalcemia and its impact on the lethal triad.
- Further evidence is needed to establish optimal calcium administration protocols in military trauma care.
- Balancing benefits against risks is essential for guiding calcium use in battlefield medicine.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
5.7K
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.
5.7K
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
3.6K
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...
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
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
3.9K
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
3.9K
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
194
IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
194
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
4.9K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
4.9K
01:25Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
561
Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
561