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​hypercalcaemia

Here you will find basic and more advanced resources about hypercalcaemia. If you want to test your knowledge first, take the quiz. ​

The basics 

Videos

In hospitalised patients hypercalcaemia is most often caused by malignancy. It occurs in 20-30% of patients with cancer. Most commonly this is due to parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) secretion or direct action of boney metastases although other mechanisms exist. Symptoms can be non-specific. Mild hypercalcaemia is associated with polyuria and polydipsia. Moderate hypercalcaemia with constipation and muscle weakness. Severe hypercalcaemia can lead to arrhythmias, pancreatitis and coma. Investigations include, calcium, albumin, phosphate and ALP levels. Mainstays of treatment involves IV fluid rehydration and bisphosphonates. Haemodialysis or use of a human monoclonal antibody denosumab maybe indicated in refractory cases. 
Patient.co.uk/doctor
Excellent and easy to read summary of science and best clinical practice aimed at doctors
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary Case
Clinically focussed advice from NICE with links to the literature that recommendations are based upon
CRUK information for patients
Cancer Research UK advice page for patients about hypercalcaemia

Deeper Dive

Systematic review of bisphosphonates
A 2004 systematic review showing bisphosphonates normalise calcium in more than 70% of patients with hypercalcaemia of malignancy 

Now take the quiz

Image used under CC BY-SA 3.0 License from RadsWiki 
Copyright © 2015
  • Welcome
  • Oncology Basics
    • Oncology Careers
    • Radiation Basics
    • Chemo Corner
  • Emergency cases
    • Neutropenic Sepsis >
      • Quiz
      • Notes
    • Malignant Spinal Cord Compression >
      • Quiz
      • Notes
    • Hypercalcaemia >
      • Quiz
      • Notes
    • Tumour Lysis Syndrome >
      • Quiz
      • Notes
    • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome >
      • Quiz
      • Notes
  • Hot Topics
    • Immunotherapy
    • CAR-T Therapy
    • Proton Therapy
  • FOAM Resources
  • Join the FOAM party