Calcium Metabolism in Emergency Medicine

Author: Andrew Parfitt / Editor: Steve Fordham / Reviewer: Jolene Rosario / Codes: HAP21 / Published: 30/06/2021

Description 

This session will describe calcium homeostasis. It will also examine therapeutic uses of calcium and discuss the disturbances of hypercalcaemia and hypocalcaemia.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

  • Interpret serum calcium values and correct for albumin levels
  • Describe calcium homeostasis
  • Explain how to manage hypercalcaemia in the emergency department
  • Explain how to manage hypocalcaemia in the emergency department
  • Define the disease states that lead to calcium disturbances

References

  1. Cooper MS, Gittoes NJ. Diagnosis and management of hypocalcaemia. BMJ. 2008 Jun 7;336(7656):1298-302. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39582.589433.BE. Erratum in: BMJ. 2008 Jun 28;336(7659).
  2. Ariyan CE, Sosa JA. Assessment and management of patients with abnormal calcium. Crit Care Med. 2004 Apr;32(4 Suppl):S146-54.
  3. Marshall WJ Bangert S Clinical Chemistry Fifth Edition London Mosby 2004.
  4. Inzucchi SE Understanding Hypercalcaemia Postgraduate Medicine Volume 115 No 4 April 2004.
  5. Sarko J. Bone and mineral metabolism. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2005 Aug;23(3):703-21, viii.
  6. Shepard MM and Smith JS Hypercalcaemia American Journal Medical Sciences November 2007 Volume 334 Number 5 382-385.
  7. Taneigra ED Hyperparathyroidism American Family Physician January 15 2004 Volume 69 No 2 p 333-337.
  8. Uptodate.com Treatment of hypercalcemia Authors Elizabeth Shane, MD James R Berenson, MD.

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