CALCIUM
Description
- 8.4 – 10.4 mg/dl
Clinical significance
- Calcium is an abundant mineral in the human body. Approximately 98% of the 1000-1200 gram of calcium in the adult are present in the skeleton, primarily as hydroxyl- apatite, which is a crystal lattice composed of calcium, Phosphorous and hydroxide.
- In addition to its vital importance in skeletal mineralisation, it also plays a vital role in the basic physiologic processes such as blood coagulation, neural transmission, enzyme activity, maintenance of normal tone and excitability of skeletal and cardiac muscles.
- Calcium is also involved in the glandular synthesis and regulation of exocrine and endocrine glands as well as reservation of cell membrane integrity and permeability.
Calcium exists in serum (or plasma) in three distinct forms:
- Free or ionized calcium - is a physiologically active form, which accounts for about 50% of total calcium.
- About 5% of total calcium is complexed with a variety of anions, particularly phosphate and citrate.
- Remaining 45% of calcium is bound to a plasma protein, especially to albumin, but also to globulin to a limited extent.
- Calcium is absorbed by an active transport process that occurs mostly in the duodenum and upper jejunum. The major stimulus of calcium absorption is Vit D. Absorption is also enhanced by growth hormone, an acid medium in the intestines, and increased dietary proteins.
- Several hormones are involved in calcium metabolism. Two protein hormones, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin, and a derivative of Vitamin D act to make sure the body optimally assimilates dietary calcium.
When to get tested
- When there are symptoms of high calcium (fatigue, Weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased thirst)
- When there are symptoms of low calcium (abdominal cramps, muscle cramps, tingling fingers)
- The test may be performed in Delirium, Dementia, thyroid disease, Parathyroid disorder, multiple endocrine neoplasia, renal failure, renal cell carcinoma and Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Elevated level
- Hyper calcaemia
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Metastatic bone tumor
- Milk-alkali syndrome
- Multiple myeloma
- Paget‘s disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Vitamin D intoxication
- lmmobilisation eg: Bed Rest
Decreased level
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Malabsorption
- Osteomalacia
- Pancreatitis
- Renal failure
- Rickets
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Magnesium depletion
- Hypoproteinemia
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Septic shock
Profile
ALL TEST
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