Biomolecular and Health Science Journal
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2022): Biomolecular and Health Science Journal

Diagnostic and Management Problems of a Patient with Severe Life-Threatening Acute Hypocalcemia: A Case Report

Arvin Wiranata Lianto (Dr. Ramelan Naval Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Birgita Maria Ratu Rosari Bas (Dr. Ramelan Naval Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Robert Dwitama Adiwinoto (Dr. Ramelan Naval Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Libriansyah Libriansyah (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Ramelan Naval Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Apr 2022

Abstract

Hypocalcemia is a common electrolyte disorder. Acute hypocalcemia is a life-threatening condition that needs prompt evaluation and management. We present a case of a 54-year-old woman presented to emergency room with muscle spasm and involuntary movement. Upon physical examination, the patient was disoriented and the Trousseau’s sign was bilaterally positive when the cuff was inflated. Blood test revealed severe hypocalcemia with albumin-corrected serum total calcium levels 1.77 mg/dL. Following extensive diagnostic workups, there were no alternative explanations other than vitamin D deficiency. Despite aggressive intravenous (IV) calcium correction and high-dose vitamin D supplementation the calcium levels gradually decreased and neurological symptoms relapsed. The use of phenytoin to treat neurological symptoms decreased calcium levels further. The patient was eventually discharged with oral calcium and calcitriol supplementation with minimal symptoms. This case highlights the importance of thorough diagnostic workups and judicious use of anticonvulsant drugs in hypocalcemia for optimal treatment outcome.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

BHSJ

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience Public Health

Description

Bimolecular and Health Science Journal (BHSJ) is a scientific peer-reviewed medical doctor which relevant to a medical doctor and other health-related professions by the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia. BHSJ provides a forum for original article, review article, editorial, case ...