From the Guidelines
Hypocalcemia typically presents with signs and symptoms such as fatigue, emotional irritability, abnormal involuntary movements, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias, including electrocardiographic changes like prolongation of the QT interval, as noted in a study on managing adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome 1.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Some of the common signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia include:
- Fatigue
- Emotional irritability
- Abnormal involuntary movements
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias, including electrocardiographic changes like prolongation of the QT interval
Associated Findings
Hypocalcemia may also be associated with other findings, such as:
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypomagnesemia
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis
Triggers and Worsening Factors
Certain factors can trigger or worsen hypocalcemia, including:
- Biological stress, such as surgery, childbirth, or infection
- Alcohol or carbonated beverages like colas
Importance of Prompt Recognition
Prompt recognition of hypocalcemia signs is crucial, as severe cases require immediate treatment with calcium supplementation, and targeted monitoring of calcium concentrations should be considered at vulnerable times, such as peri-operatively, perinatally, or during severe illness, as advised in the management guidelines for adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Infants born to mothers with hypocalcemia should be carefully monitored for signs of hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia, including neuromuscular irritability, apnea, cyanosis and cardiac rhythm disorders. The signs of hypocalcemia include:
- Neuromuscular irritability
- Apnea
- Cyanosis
- Cardiac rhythm disorders 2
From the Research
Signs of Hypocalcemia
The signs of hypocalcemia can vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Some common signs include:
- Neuromuscular irritability 3
- Tetany 3, 4
- Seizures 3, 5
- Muscle cramps 5
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes 5
- Weakening of the muscles 4
Acute vs Chronic Hypocalcemia
Acute hypocalcemia can cause severe symptoms such as seizures and tetany, which can be rapidly resolved with intravenous administration of calcium gluconate 3. Chronic hypocalcemia, on the other hand, can have more subtle manifestations and may require long-term management with oral calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation 5.
Organ Systems Affected
Hypocalcemia can affect almost any organ and system, including: