Hypocalcemia is a disease in which an abnormally low level of serum calcium is observed. Pathology is usually accompanied by disturbances in electrophysiological processes. It can occur in acute or chronic form.
Hypocalcemia. What it is?
Hypocalcemia is a pathology in which the level of calcium in the blood is lower than 2.2 mmol / L. This substance in the body is localized mainly in the bones (about 99%) and blood plasma (about 1%). With a deficit of calcium in plasma, its excretion from bones begins. Thus, the necessary balance is maintained.
It is very important to determine the cause of the pathology in a timely manner and begin full treatment. Otherwise, a lack of calcium can adversely affect the work of the whole organism, the human condition. This syndrome requires special attention in young patients.
Hypocalcemia: causes
- Hypoparathyroidism. In the case of prolonged ischemia of the parathyroid glands or their immediate hypoplasia in the blood, a sharp decrease in parathyroid hormone occurs, which is necessary to maintain normal levels of calcium ions at a physiological level. As a result, this substance is excreted by the kidneys in excess.
- Intestinal diseases, in which the absorption of calcium of the small intestine mucosa is impaired.
- Acholia - the cessation of the flow of bile into the small intestine, which is required for abdominal digestion.
- Hypovitaminosis D or resistance to its action.
- Toxic shock syndrome is another reason.
- Calcium in the blood may be missed due to damage to the pancreas. Inflammation promotes the gradual deposition of salts of this substance in areas of fatty necrosis.
- Metastasis of large tumors.
- Taking certain groups of drugs (diuretics, anticonvulsants, antibiotics).
- In children, pathology develops as a result of feeding with cow's milk or mixtures with a high phosphorus content.
Clinical picture
Low calcium in the blood for a very long time may not manifest itself with characteristic signs. After a certain period of time, pathology leads to impaired brain function and causes neurological symptoms: depression, memory loss, hallucinations, confusion. If you can quickly normalize the condition, these signs are reversible.
Excessively low concentration of calcium in the blood can cause muscle pain, tingling in the lips and tongue. In especially serious cases, patients develop cramps, spasms of the muscles of the larynx, and tetany.
How else is hypocalcemia manifested? Symptoms may include:
- Hemorrhagic / hypocoagulation syndrome. This condition is accompanied by excessive bleeding of the gums due to bleeding disorders. Calcium deficiency increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels.
- Dystrophic transformation of tissues. They appear in the form of increased fragility of nails and hair, a variety of tooth defects, and the development of cataracts.
- Heart rhythm disturbance.
The main types of pathology
Two forms of the disease are distinguished: chronic and acute hypocalcemia. Symptoms of the latter are characterized by the appearance of a syndrome of massive cytolysis. In this case, ionized calcium is quickly removed from the blood. Pathology is characterized by rapid progression, if cytolysis is also accompanied by renal failure.
There is another classification of the disease. Hypocalcemia happens:
- Functional (develops as a result of a malfunction of the systems of internal organs).
- Toxigenic (formed by the use of certain groups of drugs, the influence of toxic substances).
- Violation of the usual regulation of calcium-phosphorus-magnesium metabolism.
Features of hypocalcemia in children
This pathology can be diagnosed in children of any age. Lack of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D in the diet is the most common reason that explains the appearance of a disease such as hypocalcemia. Symptoms of this ailment are most pronounced if the child has increased physical and mental stress. The following clinical signs are characteristic of it:
- Atypical tetany, which manifests itself in clumsiness with movements.
- Spasms of the calf muscles.
- Persistent diarrhea.
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Laryngospasm.
Hypocalcemia in children is a very serious pathology that requires immediate treatment. Inattention to the health of the child can lead to the development of the most unexpected complications.
Hypocalcemia after childbirth
After the birth of a child, this disease is rarely diagnosed in women. It proceeds in an acute form and is accompanied by paralysis of the pharynx, tongue, stomach. In especially severe cases, a woman falls into a coma. Postpartum hypocalcemia, the causes of which are not fully understood, refers to diseases of an endocrine nature.
Diagnostic measures
Usually, this disease is accidentally recognized during a routine examination. Low calcium in the blood is detected after taking a blood test. That is why pathology is first diagnosed, and characteristic symptoms appear later. To determine the cause of its development, the doctor may additionally prescribe a number of diagnostic measures (biochemical analysis of blood, MRI of internal organs, x-ray of bones, electrocardiography).
What treatment is required?
With this disease, it is extremely important not only to make up for calcium deficiency, but also to eliminate its possible causes.
With hypoparathyroidism, patients are prescribed replacement therapy using hormonal agents. In this case, it is important to eliminate the underlying disease as soon as possible and prevent hypercalcemia (a condition in which increased calcium in the blood is noted). If the patient has no problems with the absorption of drugs in the small intestine, such therapy in a short period of time can lead to positive results, including with a severe form of the disease.
With tetany attacks, calcium chloride solutions are administered intravenously. It should be borne in mind that such drugs irritate the walls of the veins. Therefore, injections are best done through a central catheter or into a large vein.
To treat the disease in the chronic stage, patients are prescribed vitamin D (for example, Calcitriol, Ergocalciferol), as well as calcium tablets in tablet form. The dosage of drugs is selected individually, depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease called "hypocalcemia."
Treatment also includes following a special diet. The diet should be fortified with foods high in magnesium and vitamin D (milk, dried fruits, vegetables, a variety of cereals). For the entire period of therapy, it is recommended to abandon excessively fatty foods, smoked meats, pastries and pickles. Food should be fractional. This means that you can eat often, but in small portions. This diet has a positive effect on the digestive tract, significantly improves metabolic processes.
Possible complications
Reduced or increased calcium in the blood equally negatively affects the work of the whole organism. If symptoms of hypocalcemia appear, you should immediately seek help from a doctor and undergo the recommended course of treatment. Otherwise, the likelihood of developing quite dangerous health complications increases. These include cataracts, neuritis, swelling of the optic nerve. In addition, cases of the appearance of heart failure and severe skeletal deformity are known.
Preventative measures
How can a disease such as hypocalcemia be prevented? Symptoms of this pathology worsen the quality of life so much that many patients unwittingly ask this question.
First of all, experts strongly recommend revising your daily diet. It is better to remove all harmful products from it, add more healthy and proper food. As a prevention of the development of the disease, doctors advise adhering to the principles of proper nutrition: steam or bake in the oven, and often eat in small portions. It is very important to diversify your diet with foods high in magnesium and vitamin D.
It is recommended to limit the use of laxatives. If there are problems with intestinal motility, it is necessary to seek the advice of an appropriate specialist. It will help to understand not only the main cause of constipation, but also select the most effective therapy.
How else can you prevent the disease? The causes of this pathology are often hidden in the malfunction of the digestive tract. However, timely treatment of kidney and gastrointestinal diseases avoids problems with calcium deficiency in the blood.
We hope that all the information presented in this article about the disease so widespread today will be really useful for you. Be healthy!