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Hypocalcemia is a medical condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood serum. [5] The normal range of blood calcium is typically between 2.1–2.6 mmol/L (8.8–10.7 mg/dL, 4.3–5.2 mEq/L), while levels less than 2.1 mmol/L are defined as hypocalcemic. [1] [3] [6] Mildly low levels that develop slowly often have no symptoms.
Hyperparathyroidism occurs most commonly in postmenopausal women. Hyperparathyroidism can be caused by a tumor, or adenoma, in the parathyroid gland or by increased levels of parathyroid hormone due to hypocalcemia. [2] Approximately 10% of individuals with cancer experience hypercalcemia due to malignancy. [2]
Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and hypercalcemia (high blood calcium) are both serious medical disorders. Osteoporosis, osteomalacia and rickets are bone disorders linked to calcium metabolism disorders and effects of vitamin D. Renal osteodystrophy is a consequence of chronic kidney failure related to the calcium metabolism.
The Chvostek sign (/ ˈ k v ɒ s t ɪ k /) is a clinical sign that someone may have a low blood calcium level (a decreased serum calcium, called hypocalcemia).The Chvostek sign is the abnormal twitching of muscles that are activated (innervated) by the facial nerve (also known as Cranial Nerve Seven, or CNVII). [1]
Infants with intrauterine growth retardation, perinatal asphyxia, preterm, and diabetic mothers are most likely to develop neonatal hypocalcemia. [1] It is not understood why premature infants have hypocalcemia, but a proposed idea is that a large increase of calcitonin may lead to hypocalcemia.
Furthermore, she adds, “foods like pomegranate seeds and beets increase a compound in the blood called nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels to allow more blood flow,” Dr. Denniston says.
[3] [4] This sign may also be observed as a symptom of hyperventilation syndrome as a result of hypocapnia-induced reduction of calcium levels in the blood. [ 5 ] To elicit the sign, a blood pressure cuff is placed around the arm and inflated to a pressure greater than the systolic blood pressure and held in place for 3 minutes.
If the underlying cause of the hypocalcemia can be addressed, the hyperparathyroidism will resolve. In people with chronic kidney failure, treatment consists of dietary restriction of phosphorus; supplements containing an active form of vitamin D, such as calcitriol, doxercalciferol, paricalcitol; and phosphate binders, which are either calcium-based and non-calcium based.