Hypercalcemia natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anmol Pitliya, M.B.B.S. M.D.[2]

Overview

Mild hypercalcemia is usually asymptomatic and goes undetected in a large number of patients. Furthermore, it commonly reflects in routine laboratory exams. Hypercalcemia may complicated various organ systems including renal (most commonly), gastrointestinal, and skelatal. Prognosis of hypercalcemia is usually excellent after treatment.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

Mild hypercalcemia is usually asymptomatic and goes undetected in a large number of patients.^[1]
Hypercalcemia may present in any age group depending on etiology and severity and presents initially with concentration and sleep abnormalities.

Complications

Possible complications include:^[1]

Gastrointestinal:

Kidney:

Calcium deposits in the kidney (nephrocalcinosis)
Dehydration
High blood pressure
Kidney failure
Kidney stones

Psychological:

Depression
Difficulty concentrating or thinking

Skeletal:

These complications of long-term hypercalcemia are uncommon today.

Prognosis

Prognosis of hypercalcemia is usually excellent after treatment.
However, untreated hypercalcemia may be fatal.^[2]

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Shane, Elizabeth & Irani, Dinaz. (2006). Chapter 26. Hypercalcemia: Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Differential Diagnosis, and Management. Primer on the metabolic bone diseases and disorders of mineral metabolism.
↑ Corlew DS, Bryda SL, Bradley EL, DiGirolamo M (1985). “Observations on the course of untreated primary hyperparathyroidism”. Surgery. 98 (6): 1064–71. PMID 3878002.

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[:0-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Shane, Elizabeth & Irani, Dinaz. (2006). Chapter 26. Hypercalcemia: Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Differential Diagnosis, and Management. Primer on the metabolic bone diseases and disorders of mineral metabolism.

[pmid3878002-2] Corlew DS, Bryda SL, Bradley EL, DiGirolamo M (1985). “Observations on the course of untreated primary hyperparathyroidism”. Surgery. 98 (6): 1064–71. PMID 3878002.

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