Hypocalcemic syndromes

Crit Care Clin. 2001 Jan;17(1):139-53, vii-viii. doi: 10.1016/s0749-0704(05)70156-1.

Abstract

Hypocalcemia is common in the ICU and is a marker of poor prognosis. The mechanisms behind the low calcium levels include extravasation, increased chelation, intracellular overload of calcium, and an altered parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Hypocalcemia and an altered PTH secretion seem to be related to systemic inflammation, but it is not known today if this response is appropriate or not. Therefore, a general supplementation with calcium in these patients cannot be recommended at this stage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium / therapeutic use
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia* / drug therapy
  • Hypocalcemia* / etiology
  • Hypocalcemia* / physiopathology
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Parathyroid Hormone / immunology
  • Parathyroid Hormone / metabolism

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Calcium