Common questions

Why does hypercalcemia cause decreased deep tendon reflexes?

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Why does hypercalcemia cause decreased deep tendon reflexes?

Since calcium blocks sodium channels and inhibits depolarization of nerve and muscle fibers, increased calcium raises the threshold for depolarization. This results in diminished deep tendon reflexes (hyporeflexia), and skeletal muscle weakness.

What test is done for hypercalcemia?

Your doctor will order a blood test to determine if you have hypercalcemia. If the calcium is elevated, your physician will often review your medications and medical history as well as conduct a physical exam.

What is the lab values for hypercalcemia?

Hypercalcemia is diagnosed by a serum calcium concentration > 10.4 mg/dL (> 2.60 mmol/L) or ionized serum calcium > 5.2 mg/dL (> 1.30 mmol/L). The condition is frequently discovered during routine laboratory screening.

What causes transient hypercalcemia?

A common cause of mild or transient hypercalcemia is dehydration. Having less fluid in your blood causes a rise in calcium concentrations. Medications. Certain drugs — such as lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder — might increase the release of parathyroid hormone.

Can low magnesium cause hypercalcemia?

Magnesium is involved in the homeostasis of calcium metabolism, and magnesium deficiency may lead to clinically significant hypocalcemia. We have had two cases in our department in which treated hypoparathyroid patients with stable calcium levels developed hypercalcemia in conjunction with supplementary magnesium use.

Is magnesium Good for hypercalcemia?

How do you reverse hypercalcemia?

Treatment

  1. Calcitonin (Miacalcin). This hormone from salmon controls calcium levels in the blood.
  2. Calcimimetics. This type of drug can help control overactive parathyroid glands.
  3. Bisphosphonates.
  4. Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva).
  5. Prednisone.
  6. IV fluids and diuretics.

What causes a marked increase in eosinophilia levels?

A wide variety of infectious agents, almost exclusively helminth (worm) parasites, elicit eosinophilia ,,; only a relatively few, however, elicit a sustained, marked increase in eosinophil levels (Box 1) .

What are the symptoms of eosinophilic fasciitis?

Eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman’s syndrome) has an acute onset of erythema, swelling, and induration of the extremities, often with a history of antecedent exercise,. Skin lesions are accompanied by elevated blood eosinophil counts.

Who are the primary care physicians for hypercalcemia?

Am Fam Physician. 2003 May 1;67 (9):1959-1966. Hypercalcemia is a disorder commonly encountered by primary care physicians. The diagnosis often is made incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Clinical manifestations affect the neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, renal, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems.

Can a myositis infection cause marked peripheral eosinophilia?

Rarely,infection with Sarcocystis hominis, a cause of eosinophilic myositis, has been accompanied by marked peripheral eosinophilia ,,. Ectoparasites, particularly scabies, are also associated with peripheral blood eosinophilia. While eosinophilia can be associated with myiasis, this association occurs rarely .