Investigation and management of hypercalcaemia in children

Arch Dis Child. 2012 Jun;97(6):533-8. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-301284. Epub 2012 Mar 23.

Abstract

Hypercalcaemia is a far less common finding in children than in adults. It may present with characteristic symptoms or may be identified as a coincidental finding in children investigated for a variety of complaints. Assessment of hypercalcaemia requires an understanding of the normal physiological regulation of plasma calcium by the combined actions of parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and the calcium sensing receptor. Hypercalcaemia will usually require treatment using a number of different modalities but occasionally it can be due to a benign asymptomatic condition that requires no intervention. This article presents a logical approach to the investigation and subsequent management of this condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium / blood
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Child
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / diagnosis
  • Hypercalcemia / etiology*
  • Hypercalcemia / physiopathology
  • Hypercalcemia / therapy
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood
  • Parathyroid Hormone / physiology*
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin D / physiology

Substances

  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D
  • 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
  • Calcium