hypocalcæmi
Hypocalcæmi denotes a lower-than-normal level of calcium in the extracellular fluid, most often in serum. Normal total calcium generally ranges from about 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL, with ionized calcium about 1.12 to 1.32 mmol/L; total calcium can be affected by albumin levels, so measurement of ionized calcium or correction for albumin is sometimes needed.
Causes of hypocalcæmi are diverse. Reduced secretion or action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a common cause,
Clinical features range from asymptomatic to neuromuscular irritability, including perioral numbness, tingling, cramps, tetany, Chvostek sign,
Diagnosis involves measurement of total and ionized calcium, with correction for albumin if needed (corrected calcium
Management depends on severity. Acute symptomatic hypocalcæmi is treated with intravenous calcium, usually calcium gluconate, with