From the Research
Yes, hemoconcentration can cause hypercalcemia. Hemoconcentration occurs when the fluid portion of blood decreases, resulting in a higher concentration of blood components, including calcium. This commonly happens during dehydration, when water loss exceeds electrolyte loss, causing the concentration of substances in the blood to increase. In hemoconcentration, the total calcium level rises because the same amount of calcium is present in a reduced volume of plasma, creating a relative or pseudohypercalcemia rather than a true increase in calcium. This phenomenon is particularly important to recognize in clinical settings because it can lead to falsely elevated calcium readings without actual calcium excess in the body. Patients with severe dehydration, burns, or those using diuretics may develop hemoconcentration-induced hypercalcemia. The treatment focuses on correcting the underlying fluid deficit through appropriate rehydration, which will normalize the calcium concentration as the blood volume returns to normal. Measuring ionized calcium instead of total calcium can help distinguish true hypercalcemia from this artifact of hemoconcentration 1. Some studies have investigated the effects of bisphosphonates on hypercalcemia, but these are not directly relevant to the question of whether hemoconcentration can cause hypercalcemia 2, 3, 4. Other studies have explored the relationship between hemoconcentration and other medical conditions, such as thrombosis-prone states, but these are also not directly relevant to the question at hand 5. Therefore, the key point to remember is that hemoconcentration can indeed cause hypercalcemia, and this should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with elevated calcium levels, particularly in the context of dehydration or other conditions that can lead to hemoconcentration. It is essential to prioritize the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when managing hypercalcemia, and correcting the underlying cause of hemoconcentration is crucial in these cases. In clinical practice, it is vital to be aware of this potential cause of hypercalcemia to provide appropriate treatment and prevent unnecessary interventions. By recognizing the relationship between hemoconcentration and hypercalcemia, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications associated with untreated hypercalcemia.