Hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium, can arise from a variety of medical conditions and situations. Based on the provided references, the following factors can contribute to hypocalcemia:
Causes of Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia occurs when the calcium level in your blood is too low. Several factors can disrupt the calcium balance and lead to this condition.
Medical Conditions
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Vitamin D deficiency or resistance: Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. If your body doesn't have enough Vitamin D or can't utilize it properly, you can develop hypocalcemia.
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Chronic Kidney Disease: The kidneys play a vital role in activating Vitamin D and regulating calcium levels. Kidney disease disrupts these processes, leading to hypocalcemia.
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PTH Resistance (Impaired PTH Action): Parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps regulate calcium levels. If the body becomes resistant to PTH, it can't effectively increase blood calcium.
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Extravascular Deposition: Calcium can deposit outside the blood vessels, reducing the available calcium in the bloodstream.
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Hyperphosphatemia: High phosphate levels in the blood can bind to calcium, lowering the amount of free calcium.
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Osteoblastic Metastases: Certain cancers that spread to the bone (osteoblastic metastases) can cause increased calcium uptake by the bones, leading to hypocalcemia.
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Acute Pancreatitis: This condition can sometimes trigger hypocalcemia, although the exact mechanism isn't fully understood.
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Sepsis or Severe Illness: Severe infections or illnesses can disrupt calcium homeostasis, leading to low calcium levels.
Other Factors
- Surgery: Certain surgical procedures can sometimes lead to temporary or persistent hypocalcemia.
Summary Table of Causes of Hypocalcemia
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Vitamin D Deficiency | Insufficient Vitamin D levels prevent adequate calcium absorption. |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | Impaired kidney function disrupts Vitamin D activation and calcium regulation. |
| PTH Resistance | The body's inability to respond to parathyroid hormone, hindering calcium level increase. |
| Extravascular Deposition | Calcium deposits outside the blood vessels, reducing circulating calcium. |
| Hyperphosphatemia | Elevated phosphate levels bind to calcium, decreasing free calcium. |
| Osteoblastic Metastases | Cancer spreading to bone causes increased calcium uptake by bones. |
| Acute Pancreatitis | A condition that disrupts calcium balance. |
| Sepsis/Severe Illness | Severe illness that disrupts calcium homeostasis, leading to low calcium levels. |
| Surgery | Certain surgical procedures can disrupt calcium balance. |
