Hypocalcaemia

Hypocalcaemia

When there is hypomagnasaemia replace this first

Reference ranges

• Calcium 2.2-2.6 Normal

• Calcium 1.9-2.2 PO replacement

• Calcium < 1.9 IV replacement

Calcium Replacement

PO: calcium carbonate tablets x2 TDS for 3 days & repeat calcium

IV Calcium

1. Calcium carbonate  10mg 10% 10mls over 10 minutes

2. If Magnesium is low replace early

3. Calcium 50mg over 12hrs in 500mls

Investigations

• FBC, urea & electrolytes, calcium & magnesium

History

Examination

• Muscle spasm

Investigations

• ECG: long QT

Causes

• ?pancreatitis

• parathyroid deficiency

  • Transient hypoparathyroidism post thyroidectomy

• Lack of vitamin D

Complications

• Acquired haemophilia- calcium required in clotting cascade