Hypercalcemia in Endocrinology
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following features of hypercalcemia are NOT associated with underlying cancer?

  • Bone pain
  • Neck mass
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Polydipsia and polyuria (correct)
  • Which of the following conditions is NOT typically associated with hypercalcemia?

  • Addison's disease (correct)
  • End-stage CKD
  • Thyrotoxicosis
  • Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH)
  • Which of the following is a characteristic ECG change associated with hypercalcemia?

  • Prolonged QT interval
  • Short QT interval (correct)
  • ST segment depression
  • Widened QRS complex
  • Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)?

    <p>Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms of hypercalcemia is most likely to be present in patients with significant hypercalcemia?

    <p>Mental status change (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which osteoprotegerin (OPG) inhibits osteoclast activity?

    <p>OPG acts as a decoy receptor, preventing RANKL from binding to RANK. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH)?

    <p>Hypercalciuria is a common finding in FHH patients. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these conditions is typically characterized by hypercalcemia, but is not associated with hyperparathyroidism?

    <p>Thyrotoxicosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the table, which of the following features of hypercalcemia could suggest a possible diagnosis of cancer?

    <p>Neck mass (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most prevalent cause of hypercalcemia in an ambulatory population?

    <p>Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is directly associated with increased RANKL activation?

    <p>Severe hypercalcemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following genetic conditions may be associated with hyperparathyroidism?

    <p>Both A and B (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key distinction between familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) from a biochemical standpoint?

    <p>FHH exhibits a lower fractional excretion of urine calcium (FeCA) compared to PHPT. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of denosumab in the treatment of hypercalcemia?

    <p>Denosumab blocks the interaction between RANKL and RANK, inhibiting osteoclast activation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does vasopressin play in the regulation of calcium homeostasis?

    <p>Vasopressin is not directly involved in calcium regulation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what clinical setting is malignancy more likely to be the primary cause of hypercalcemia?

    <p>Inpatient setting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary approach to managing hypercalcemic crisis?

    <p>Aggressive hydration, IV phosphate and magnesium sulfate, and calcitonin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of hypercalcemic crisis cases are considered asymptomatic?

    <p>Greater than 80% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what scenario should hypercalcemic crisis be considered in a patient?

    <p>A patient with known parathyroid disease or a neoplasm and acute deterioration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of management for hypercalcemic crisis?

    <p>Accurate diagnosis through appropriate investigations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of calcimimetics in the management of hypercalcemic crisis?

    <p>They may be used in certain situations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of bisphosphonates in the management of hypercalcemic crisis?

    <p>They are used to prevent bone loss and associated complications (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of RANKL system inhibitors in the management of hypercalcemic crisis?

    <p>They are likely to be used more widely in the future, pending further studies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining feature of hypercalcemic crisis?

    <p>Rapidly increasing blood calcium levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the therapeutic role of Cinacalcet in the management of hypercalcemia?

    <p>Reduces serum calcium concentration in inoperable parathyroid carcinoma (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concerning aspect does hypercalcemia associated with cancer present?

    <p>It can complicate treatment and patient management (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is associated with abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone and calcium in patients with hyperthyroidism?

    <p>Thyrotoxicosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common treatment option for patients with refractory hypercalcemia?

    <p>Management with denosumab (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge in managing hypercalcemia during pregnancy?

    <p>It presents a multifaceted medical dilemma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which bisphosphonates treat hypercalcemia?

    <p>Inhibiting osteoclast activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bisphosphonate is described as being 1000 times more potent than pamidronate?

    <p>Zoledronate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended time frame for administering intravenous bisphosphonates after rehydration for severe hypercalcemia?

    <p>Within 12 hours after rehydration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario would bisphosphonates be particularly avoided?

    <p>Imminent parathyroid surgery (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical duration of intravenous bisphosphonate treatment for severe hypercalcemia?

    <p>3-10 days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications is specifically mentioned as being useful in hypercalcemia involving cytokine release?

    <p>Glucocorticoids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended dose of pamidronate for severe hypercalcemia with a calcium level of 3 mg/dL?

    <p>30 mg over 2 hours (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key action of calcimimetics like cinacalcet in managing hypercalcemia?

    <p>Activating the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which hypercalcemia can occur?

    <p>Decreased parathyroid hormone secretion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in maintaining calcium homeostasis?

    <p>CaSR detects decreased calcium levels and stimulates the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a direct action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in maintaining calcium homeostasis?

    <p>Inhibiting calcitriol synthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG system in hypercalcemia?

    <p>This system plays a key role in regulating bone resorption. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of hypercalcemia in most cases?

    <p>Increased mobilization of calcium from bone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might a patient with renal failure exhibit hypocalciuria despite having hypercalcemia?

    <p>The kidneys are unable to effectively filter calcium from the blood resulting in low urine calcium levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these factors is NOT directly implicated in the development of hypercalciuria?

    <p>Increased vitamin D production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of prolonged hypercalcemia?

    <p>Increased risk of renal insufficiency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR)

    A receptor on parathyroid gland cells that detects ionized calcium levels.

    PTH

    Parathyroid Hormone; increases calcium in blood by promoting bone resorption and kidney absorption.

    Hypercalcemia

    An elevated level of calcium in the blood, often due to various factors like bone resorption.

    Bone resorption

    The process by which osteoclasts break down bone tissue, releasing calcium into the bloodstream.

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    RANK/RANKL/OPG system

    A signaling pathway important for regulating bone resorption involving osteoclasts.

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    Calcium reabsorption

    The process by which the kidneys reclaim calcium from urine, increasing blood calcium levels.

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    Hypercalciuria

    Excessive calcium in urine often associated with certain conditions.

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    Nephrogenic DI

    A condition where kidneys fail to concentrate urine, leading to high urine calcium levels.

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    Vasopressin binding

    The process by which vasopressin interacts with its receptors, influencing water retention in the kidneys.

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    RANK and RANKL

    RANK is a receptor that binds RANKL, activating osteoclasts involved in bone resorption.

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    Osteoprotegerin (OPG)

    A cytokine that inhibits osteoclast maturation by blocking RANK-RANKL interaction.

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    Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)

    A common cause of hypercalcemia characterized by overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

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    Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia (FHH)

    A genetic condition causing elevated serum calcium levels due to inactivated calcium sensing.

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    Denosumab

    A medication that prevents RANKL from activating RANK on osteoclasts, used in hypercalcemia treatment.

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    Vitamin D deficiency

    A condition potentially contributing to hypercalcemia, related to insufficient vitamin D production.

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    PHPT

    Primary hyperparathyroidism, a condition of excessive parathyroid hormone.

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    THPT

    Tertiary hyperparathyroidism, usually due to long-term renal failure.

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    MEN

    Multiple endocrine neoplasia, a group of disorders causing tumors in endocrine glands.

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    Symptoms of Hypercalcemia

    Include malaise, fatigue, bone pain, and mental status changes.

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    Underlying Causes of Hypercalcemia

    Can include cancer, lymphoma, or thyroid issues.

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    ECG Changes in Hypercalcemia

    Short QT interval can indicate hypercalcemia on an ECG.

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    Medical management of hypercalcemia

    Includes hydration, IV phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcitonin.

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    Cinacalcet

    A medication that acts on calcium-sensing receptors; not yet approved for broader use.

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    Hydration in management

    Increased hydration helps manage hypercalcemia effectively.

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    Role of bisphosphonates

    Bisphosphonates are calcium-specific therapies used in hypercalcemia treatment.

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    Calcimimetics

    Drugs that mimic calcium to regulate PTH secretion; used in certain cases.

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    RANKL system

    Signals important for bone resorption and calcium homeostasis; therapies targeting this are emerging.

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    Acute hypercalcemia management

    Management includes IV hydration, phosphate, and calcitonin for acute cases.

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    1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

    The active form of vitamin D that regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism.

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    Hypercalcemia with Cancer

    A condition where elevated calcium levels are associated with malignancies.

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    Denosumab in Parathyroid Carcinoma

    Denosumab is used to treat hypercalcemia due to parathyroid carcinoma by inhibiting RANKL.

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    Management of Thyrotoxicosis

    Involves handling hypercalcemia and hormonal imbalances during thyroid disease.

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    Bisphosphonates

    Medications that inhibit osteoclast activity to reduce bone resorption.

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    Zoledronate

    A potent bisphosphonate, 1000x more effective than pamidronate for hypercalcemia.

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    Pamidronate

    A bisphosphonate used to manage hypercalcemia but less potent than zoledronate.

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    Calcium mobilization

    Release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream, often causing hypercalcemia.

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    Postoperative hypocalcemia

    Decrease in calcium levels following parathyroid surgery, potentially caused by bisphosphonates.

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    Hydration prior to bisphosphonates

    Rehydration is essential before administering bisphosphonates for severe hypercalcemia.

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    Study Notes

    Hypercalcemia

    • Approximately 99% of total body calcium is stored in bone
    • Physiologically important calcium is free (ionized) and tightly regulated
    • Calcium homeostasis is regulated by vitamin D metabolites and parathyroid hormone (PTH) via the kidney, intestine, and bone
    • PTH is secreted by the parathyroid glands' chief cells, and reacts rapidly to changes in serum ionized calcium through the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR)
    • Hypercalcemia is diagnosed with serum calcium >10.5mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) on at least two occasions.
    • Adjusted calcium >12 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and other serious complications
    • Measurement of intact PTH levels is central to calcium disorder diagnosis. Increased or inappropriately normal PTH levels are associated with some hypercalcemia causes. PHPT (primary hyperparathyroidism) accounts for most cases in an ambulatory population
    • Malignancy is the most common cause of inpatient hypercalcemic crises (HCM). This complicates 5-30% of malignancies and is responsible for >50% crises.
    • Increased bone resorption from activation of osteoclasts via RANK/RANKL pathway is a common final pathway of severe hypercalcemia.
    • Acute hypercalcemia is managed with fluid resuscitation to correct volume state and short-term calcitonin. Long-term management with bisphosphonates and/or denosumab is needed.
    • Glucocorticoids may be used for hypercalcemia related to vitamin D overdose, granulomatous diseases and some malignancies

    Hypercalcemia Introduction

    • The skeleton, a major calcium reservoir, is important for locomotion, protecting vital organs, hematopoiesis, and regulating metabolic processes.
    • Continuous bone remodeling involves osteoclasts and osteoblasts, maintaining bone integrity.
    • Calcium homeostasis, maintained by the parathyroid hormone, vitamin D metabolites and the kidney, is critical.

    Calcium Pathophysiology

    • Calcium absorption from the intestine, filtration in the glomeruli, reabsorption in renal tubules, and elimination in urine are key components of calcium homeostasis.
    • Calcium exists in three forms in plasma: 50% free (ionized), 40% bound to plasma proteins and 10% complexed with small diffusible inorganic ions.
    • Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) (caused by parathyroid tumors) and malignancy account for the majority of detected hypercalcemia cases.
    • Other factors like vitamin D, and calcium/vitamin D supplementation contribute to hypercalcemia.

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    Hypercalcemia PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the critical aspects of hypercalcemia, including its diagnosis, regulation, and underlying causes. You will explore the role of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D metabolites, and the implications of elevated serum calcium levels. Test your understanding of calcium homeostasis and its clinical significance.

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