Hypocalcemia in critical illness.

Abstract

CALCIUM is an essential ion required for many biologic processes, including neuronal conduction, synaptic transmission, hormone secretion, mitotic division, cardiac automaticity, and excitation-contraction coupling in muscle. Calcium is also a major intracellular messenger, is needed for cellular processes that require movement, and is required by many enzymes for full activity. Deficiency of circulating concentrations of this important ion are common in patients with critical illness. Physiologic Regulation of the Serum Calcium Concentration The serum calcium concentration is maintained within normal limits by the combined effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. Dietary calcium is not required, since these hormones can maintain the serum calcium level via their skeletal effects. A deficiency in either hormone, however, may lead to hypocalcemia. Deficiency in PTH may result from parathyroid gland damage, as may occur after neck surgery, or from parathyroid gland suppression. The parathyroid glands may be suppressed by hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, or