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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.
The test was developed by Leonard Apt (1922–2013), [3] an American pediatric ophthalmologist. The test was originally used to identify the source of bloody stools in newborn infants. It has been modified to distinguish fetal from maternal hemoglobin in blood samples from any source. [4]
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]
Neonatal hypocalcemia is an abnormal clinical and laboratory hypocalcemia condition that is frequently observed in infants. It is commonly presented within the first 72 hours of a newborn's life. [ 1 ]
From 1 to 4 percent of normal patients will test positive for Trousseau's sign of latent tetany. [2] This sign may be positive before other manifestations of hypocalcemia such as hyperreflexia and tetany, as such it is generally believed to be more sensitive (94%) than the Chvostek sign (29%) for hypocalcemia.
Post-surgical hypoparathyroidism is the most common form, and can be temporary (due to suppression of tissue after removal of a malfunctioning gland) or permanent, if all parathyroid tissue has been removed. [1] Inherited hypoparathyroidism is rare and is due to a mutation in the calcium sensing receptor.
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.
Though calcium is the most plentiful electrolyte in the body, a large percentage of it is used to form the bones. [14] It is mainly absorbed and excreted through the GI system. [14] The majority of calcium resides extracellularly, and it is crucial for the function of neurons, muscle cells, function of enzymes, and coagulation. [14]