Hypercalcemia: mechanisms, differential diagnosis, and remedies

The urgency for treatment of hypercalcemia is assessed by determining the severity of symptoms and complications and the degree of elevation of serum calcium. Increased bone resorption is the most common pathophysiologic mechanism for hypercalcemia, and several agents are used to inhibit this resorption, including calcitonin and bisphosphonates. However, inhibition of bone resorption controls hypercalcemia for only a limited time, and prompt definitive treatment of the underlying cause, such as primary hyperparathyroidism or malignancy, is essential.