Hypercalcaemia in Malignancy

Author: Andrew Parfitt, Shumontha Dev / Editors: Adrian Boyle / Reviewer: Shanthi Siva, Emma Everitt / Codes: O6, O7 / Published: 20/05/2021

Description:

Hypercalcaemia is commonly seen in patients with malignant disease. This session explains the assessment and management of the problem in the emergency department.

By the end of this session you will be able to:

  • Describe symptoms and signs of hypercalcaemia in malignancy
  • Interpret serum calcium results
  • Describe how to respond to hypercalcaemia in an emergency situation
  • Explain the ongoing management of hypercalcaemia in oncology patients

References:

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  18. Evidence 1 – Hypercalcemia of malignancy: Mechanisms , Author Mara J Horwitz, MD, Uptodate.com
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  20. Evidence 3 – LeGrand SB, Leskuski D, Zama I. Narrative review: furosemide for hypercalcemia: an unproven yet common practice. Ann Intern Med. 2008 Aug 19;149(4):259-63.
  21. Evidence 4 – Sandler L M, Winearls C G, Studies of the Hypercalcaemia of Sarcoidosis: Effect of Steroids and Exogenous Vitamin D3 on the Circulating Concentrations of 1, 25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D3, QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Volume 53, Issue 2, SPRING 1984, Pages 165180.

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