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Hypercalcemia Guidelines: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment
Published: Sep 06, 2024
Guidelines for diagnosing and treating hypercalcemia help streamline care. This article outlines the recommended steps healthcare providers should follow.
Confirming the Diagnosis
The first guideline is to confirm hypercalcemia with repeated calcium tests, adjusted for albumin levels. This ensures the elevated calcium levels are accurate and not influenced by other factors. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatments and interventions.
Determining the Cause
Once hypercalcemia is confirmed, the next step is identifying whether it's PTH-mediated or not. This involves measuring PTH levels and possibly other tests if PTH is low. These guidelines help in narrowing down the cause and selecting appropriate treatments.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Treatment guidelines emphasize addressing the underlying cause, whether it be surgery for hyperparathyroidism or chemotherapy for cancer. Guidelines also suggest lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring to manage calcium levels effectively over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confirm the diagnosis with repeat calcium tests.
By measuring PTH levels and other relevant tests.
Treatments vary based on the cause, including surgery or medications.
The Final Word
Following guidelines ensures a consistent and effective approach to managing hypercalcemia.
References
- Rosol TJ, Capen CC. Mechanisms of cancer-induced hypercalcemia. Lab Invest 1992; 67:680.
- Kimball S, Vieth R. Self-prescribed high-dose vitamin D3: effects on biochemical parameters in two men. Ann Clin Biochem 2008; 45:106.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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