Hypocalcemia - a disease in which there is an abnormally low level of serum calcium.The pathology is usually accompanied by violations of electrophysiological processes.It may occur in acute or chronic.
Hypocalcemia.What it is?
Hypocalcemia - a pathology in which blood calcium levels below 2.2 mmol / L.The substance in the organism is localized mainly in the bone (about 99%) and blood plasma (approximately 1%).At deficiency of calcium in the plasma begins its withdrawal from the bones.Thus the necessary balance is maintained.
very important to promptly identify the cause of disease and begin proper treatment.Otherwise, the lack of calcium can affect the performance of the whole organism, the human condition.Special attention needs the syndrome in young patients.
Hypocalcemia: Causes
- Hypoparathyroidism.In the case of prolonged ischemia parathyroid glands or their immediate hypoplasia in the blood is a sharp decrease in parathyroid hormone, which is needed to maintain physiologically normal levels of calcium ions.As a result, this substance is excreted by the kidneys in excessive amounts.
- bowel disease for which disrupted the absorption of calcium mucosa of the small intestine.
- Ahola - cessation of the flow of bile into the small intestine, which is required for the digestive cavity.
- vitamin D deficiency or resistance to its action.
- Toxic shock syndrome - This is another reason.
- calcium in the blood may not be enough because of the destruction of the pancreas.Inflammation contributes to the gradual deposition of salts of fatty substances in the areas of necrosis.
- metastasis of large dimensions.
- Taking certain groups of drugs (diuretics, anticonvulsants, antibiotics).
- Children pathology develops due to feeding cow's milk or mixtures with a high content of phosphorus.
clinical picture
low calcium in the blood for a long time may not show the characteristic features.After some period of time, the pathology leads to violations of the functions of the brain and causes neurological symptoms: depression, loss of memory, hallucinations, confusion.If you can quickly normalize, these symptoms are reversible.
excessively low concentration of calcium in the blood can cause muscle pain, tingling in the lips and tongue.In particularly serious cases, the patient has convulsions, muscle spasms of the larynx, tetany.
How else manifested hypocalcemia?Symptoms may be the following:
- Hemorrhagic / hypocoagulation syndrome.Such a condition is accompanied by excessive bleeding gums due to blood clotting.Calcium deficiency increases the permeability of the vessel walls.
- Dystrophic transformation of tissues.They appear in the form of increased brittleness of hair and nails, various defects of the teeth, the development of cataracts.
- cardiac arrhythmias.
main pathologies
There are two forms of the disease: chronic and acute hypocalcemia.Symptoms are characterized by the appearance of the latest massive cytolysis syndrome.In this case, the ionized calcium is removed rapidly from the blood.Pathology different rapid progression if cytolysis accompanied by even renal failure.
There is another classification of the disease.Hypocalcemia is:
- functionality (developed as a result of disruption of the systems of internal organs).
- toxigenic (formed by the use of certain groups of drugs, the impact of toxic substances).
- Violation of customary regulation of calcium and phosphorus and magnesium metabolism.
Features hypocalcemia in children
This pathology can be diagnosed in children of any age.The lack in the diet of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D - is the most common reason that explains the occurrence of such diseases as hypocalcemia.Symptoms of this disease are most pronounced in the case if the child has increased physical and mental stress.It is characterized by the following clinical signs:
- atypical tetany, which manifests itself in awkwardness when moving.
- calf muscle cramps.
- persistent diarrhea.
- increased intracranial pressure.
- Laryngospasm.
Hypocalcemia in children - this is a very serious pathology that requires immediate treatment.Inattention to the child's health can lead to unexpected complications.
Hypocalcemia after childbirth
After the baby is born disease in women is diagnosed very rarely.It occurs in an acute form and accompanied by a paralysis of the pharynx, tongue, stomach.In severe cases, a woman falls into a coma.Postpartum hypocalcemia, causes of which have not been studied until the end, it refers to diseases of the endocrine nature.
Diagnostic event
usually learn about the disease by chance during a routine inspection.Low calcium levels detected after a blood test.That is why at first diagnosed pathology and characteristic symptoms later.To determine the reasons for the development of it, the doctor can appoint a number of additional diagnostic procedures (biochemical blood tests, an MRI of internal organs, bone X-ray, electrocardiography).
What treatment is required?
When this disease is extremely important not only to compensate for a deficiency of calcium, but also to eliminate its possible causes.
When hypoparathyroidism patients prescribed substitution therapy with hormonal agents.In this case it is important to remove as much as possible before the underlying disease and preventing hypercalcemia (a condition where there is an increased blood calcium).If the patient has no problems with the absorption of the drug in the small intestine, such therapy in a short period of time can lead to positive results, including a severe form of the disease.
In attacks of tetany intravenous calcium chloride solution.Keep in mind that these drugs irritate the walls of veins.Therefore, the injection is best done through a central catheter or into a large vein.
For treating diseases in the chronic phase patients prescribed vitamin D (for example, "Calcitriol", "ergocalciferol"), and calcium preparations in tablet form.The dosage of drugs is chosen individually, depending on the characteristics of the disease called "hypocalcemia".
Treatment also includes the observance of a special diet.The diet should be enriched foods high in magnesium and vitamin D (milk, dried fruits, vegetables, a variety of cereals).For the entire period of treatment is recommended to give up excessively fatty foods, smoked meats, baked goods and pickles.Nutrition should be a fraction.This means that you can eat often but small portions.Such a diet has a positive effect on the digestive tract, significantly improves metabolic processes.
Possible complications
low or high blood calcium are equally negative impact on the whole organism.When symptoms of hypocalcemia is necessary without delay to seek medical help and undergo the recommended course of treatment.Otherwise, it increases the likelihood of developing a fairly hazardous to health complications.These include cataracts, optic neuritis, edema of the optic nerve.In addition, there are cases of occurrence of heart failure and severe skeletal deformities.
Preventive measures
How can you prevent this disease is hypocalcemia?Symptoms of this disease are so greatly impair the quality of life that many patients can not help ask this question.
Primarily experts strongly recommend to reconsider your daily diet.It is better to remove any harmful products, add more healthy and proper food.As the prevention of the disease, doctors are advised to adhere to the principles of good nutrition: steamed or baked in the oven, eat small, frequent meals.It is important to vary the diet of foods high in magnesium and vitamin D.
recommended to limit the use of laxatives.If you have problems with intestinal motility, you must consult the appropriate specialist.It helps to understand not only the main cause of constipation, but also select the most effective therapy.
How else can prevent the disease?Causes of this disease are often hidden in the malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.However, early treatment of diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract to avoid problems of calcium deficiency in the blood.
hope that all presented in this article, information about the disease so prevalent today, it will be for you to actually be useful.Be healthy!
