Hypocalcemia symptoms and treatment

By SWA
What are 4 signs of hypocalcemia?
Symptoms of hypocalcemia most commonly include paresthesia, muscle spasms, cramps, tetany, circumoral numbness, and seizures.

As hypocalcemia progresses, muscle cramps are common, and people may become confused, depressed, and forgetful and have tingling in their lips, fingers, and feet as well as stiff, achy muscles. Usually, the disorder is detected by routine blood tests. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be used to treat hypocalcemia.

Calcium is needed for several vital body functions, from strong bones to heart health. You can avoid deficiency by eating calcium-rich foods or taking a high-quality calcium supplement. Common signs of hypocalcemia include brittle bones, muscle cramps, fatigue, dental issues and irregular heartbeat.

FDA adds Boxed Warning for increased risk of severe hypocalcemia in patients with advanced
chronic kidney disease taking osteoporosis medicine Prolia (denosumab)
Patients on dialysis or with mineral and bone disorder at highest risk
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-adds-boxed-warning-increased-risk-severe-hypocalcemia-patients-advanced-chronic-kidney-disease

In addition: Chvostek sign and the Trousseau sign

Hypoalbuminemia is the most common cause of hypocalcemia. Causes include cirrhosis, nephrosis, malnutrition, burns, chronic illness, and sepsis.

1. Chevostek sign:

To elicit the Chevostek sign, tap gently on the patient's facial nerve just anterior to the earlobe. A positive sign is indicated by the contraction of the ipsilateral facial muscles, such as the twitching of the nose, upper lip, or corner of the mouth.

2. Trousseau sign:

 To elicit the Trousseau sign, inflate a blood pressure cuff on the patient's arm above systolic pressure for a few minutes. A positive sign is indicated by carpal spasm, which is characterized by flexion of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints, extension of the interphalangeal joints, and adduction of the thumb.

Both signs are positive in conditions associated with hypocalcemia, such as hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and renal failure.

Simplified Explanation: Trousseau's sign is a test that doctors use to check if you have low calcium levels. The doctor will inflate a blood pressure cuff on your arm for a few minutes and if your hand and wrist start to cramp or twitch, it's a positive Trousseau's sign. This could mean you have low calcium levels in your blood, possibly due to issues with your parathyroid glands, kidneys, or not enough vitamin D in your body. References: 1. Bilezikian JP. Hypoparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Jun 1;105(6):1722–36.

 

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