Disorders of calcium metabolism

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Disorders of calcium metabolism
Classifications and external resources
ICD-10 E83.5
ICD-9 275.4

Disorders of calcium metabolism occur when the body has too little or too much calcium. The serum level of calcium is closely regulated within a fairly limited range in the human body.

The amount of biologically active calcium varies with the level of albumin, a protein to which calcium is bound, and therefore levels of ionized calcium are better measures than a total calcium; however, one can correct a total calcium if the albumin level is known. When you don't have enough calcium your bones become weak and very fragile.

  • A normal ionized calcium is 1.12-1.45 mmol/L (4.54-5.61 mg/dL).
  • A normal total calcium is 2.2-2.6 mmol/L (9-10.5 mg/dl).
    • Total calcium of less than 8.0 mg/dL is hypocalcaemia, with levels below 1.59 mmol/L (6 mg/dL) generally fatal.
    • Total calcium of more than 11.111 mg/dL is hypercalcaemia, with levels over 3.753 mmol/L (15.12 mg/dL) generally fatal.

[edit] See also