Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood. Calcium is a mineral necessary to maintain strong and healthy bones. It plays an important role in muscle contraction, nerve impulses, hormone release and proper brain function. The body stores calcium in the bones, muscles and blood. The kidneys filter and eliminate excess calcium through the urine to maintain constant calcium levels. Calcium, however, can accumulate in the blood for a variety of reasons. If calcium levels rise above normal, it can interfere with body's normal processes and lead to undesirable complications.
Cause
Parathyroid hormone, along with vitamin D, regulates a strict calcium balance within your body. Parathyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland, a group of four small glands located in the neck behind the thyroid. Therefore, one of the major causes of hypercalcemia is the over-activity of one or more parathyroid glands. Other possible causes of hypercalcemia include diseases such as cancer, inflammation, kidney failure, tuberculosis and hyperthyroidism; certain medications including lithium and thiazide diuretics; dehydration; and excessive use of vitamin D supplements.
Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia range from nonexistent to severe. Because calcium is needed throughout the body, symptoms may affect various systems. Abdominal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation and abdominal pain. You may experience flank pain, excessive thirst and frequent urination related to the kidneys. Muscle twitching, weakness, joint aches affect the muscles while bone pain, bowing of the shoulder, fractures and osteoporosis are long-term affects to the skeletal system. Psychological signs include fatigue, lethargy, irritability, depression, dementia and memory loss. If you suspect signs of hypercalcemia, you need to contact your physician for a diagnosis.
Test Results
Your serum calcium levels are accessed via a blood test. It is often done in conjunction with other laboratory exams such as albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and other electrolytes. According to the National Cancer Institute, normal calcium levels are maintained within a narrow range, approximately 9 to 10.3 mg/dL for men and 8.9 to 10.2 mg/dL for women. Calcium levels above 10.5 mg/dL are considered to be above normal and any level above 12 mg/dL indicate hypercalcemia.
Complications
If left untreated, hypercalcemia can result in adverse effects throughout the body. Common complications include osteoporosis, bone cysts, fractures and other bone-thinning disorders; pancreatitis and peptic ulcers impacting the gastrointestinal tract; dehydration, high blood pressure, kidney stones and even kidney failure; abnormal heart rhythms and nervous system problems such as depression, difficulty concentrating, confusion, dimension and even coma, which can be fatal. Complications are typically treated before they become problematic.
Treatment
Treatment is typically directed at the underlying cause of your elevated calcium levels. There are steps you and your doctor can take to improve your condition, however. Severe cases of hypercalcemia require hospitalization to safely reduce your calcium levels while protecting your kidney and bones. Medline Plus reports that once you are hospitalized, you may require intravenous fluids for rehydration; loop diuretic medications to flush the excess calcium from your body; calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland to reduce bone re-absorption and slow bone loss; glucocorticoids to counteract the effects of excess vitamin D in the blood; intravenous bisphosphonates, drugs to prevent bone breakdown and peritoneal or hemodialysis to remove excess water and calcium from your blood if your kidneys are damage or do not respond to treatment.
