- magnesium deficiency – if present, correction of this may be sufficient to correct calcium
- parathyroidectomy (see page 8)
- thyroidectomy
- hypothyroidism
- insufficient calcium intake or absorption (especially post gastrectomy)
- acute pancreatitis
- chronic kidney disease
- vitamin D deficiency
- hyperphosphataemia
- hypoalbuminaemia
- drugs – aminoglycosides, furosemide, phenobarbital, phenytoin, methylprednisolone, desferrioxamine, phosphate enemas, bisphosphonates
Hypocalcaemia (Guidelines)
Warning
Normal Range: 2·2 to 2·6mmol/L
These guidelines do not apply to critically ill patients or to patients at risk of refeeding syndrome. For refeeding syndrome please see Policy for prevention and management of refeeding syndrome in adults
- If cause for hypocalcaemia is not clear then further diagnostic tests such as Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) need to be taken before treatment. PTH and corrected calcium levels should be taken simultaneously prior to treatment.
- Stable patients with mild symptoms may not require supplementation.