Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Idiopathic infantile hypercalcaemia--a continuing enigma

N D Martin, G J Snodgrass, R D Cohen

    Archives of Disease in Childhood
    |July 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Idiopathic infantile hypercalcaemia presents similarly to Williams-Beuren syndrome but has distinct feeding issues. Long-term complications include developmental delays and vascular disease, with a stable incidence in the UK.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Genetics
    • Metabolic Disorders

    Background:

    • Idiopathic infantile hypercalcaemia (IIH) shares clinical features with Williams-Beuren syndrome.
    • Understanding IIH is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in infants.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare clinical presentations and long-term outcomes of children with IIH and Williams-Beuren syndrome.
    • To assess the incidence and morbidity associated with IIH.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective study of 76 children with IIH and 41 with Williams-Beuren syndrome.
    • Clinical data comparison focusing on feeding, growth, and associated complications.

    Main Results:

    • Similarities and differences noted, particularly in feeding problems and failure to thrive.
    • Estimated IIH incidence in the UK is stable at ~18 cases/year (1 in 47,000 births).
    • Long-term morbidity includes mental handicap, arteriopathy, hypertension, kyphoscoliosis, hyperacusis, and obesity.

    Conclusions:

    • Further investigation is needed to determine the etiology of hypercalcaemia in IIH.
    • While rare, hypercalcaemia recurrence in adolescence can occur.
    • Distinguishing IIH from Williams-Beuren syndrome is important for tailored management.

    More Related Videos

    Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation07:13

    Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation

    Published on: March 14, 2017

    Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.505:45

    Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5

    Published on: April 26, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    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...
    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.
    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...
    The Parathyroid Glands00:59

    The Parathyroid Glands

    The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
    Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
    Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction01:28

    Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction

    Renal calculi, or kidney stones, are solid deposits of minerals and salts formed inside the kidneys. In medical terminology, "calculus" refers to the stone itself, while "lithiasis" describes the process of stone formation. Depending on their location within the urinary system, these stones may be classified as either urolithiasis, when situated within the urinary tract, or nephrolithiasis, when located within the kidneys. Each term signifies the specific impact of the stone.Predisposition...
    Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

    Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

    Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...