How is Hypercalcemia Treated?
How is Hypercalcemia Treated?
Why It Matters
Managing hypercalcemia effectively is crucial to prevent serious health complications.
Contents
- Treatment for Mild Hypercalcemia
- Approach to Moderate Hypercalcemia
- Managing Severe Hypercalcemia
Treatment for Mild Hypercalcemia
Mild hypercalcemia often doesn't require immediate treatment. Patients are advised to avoid factors that can worsen the condition, such as certain medications and a high-calcium diet. Staying hydrated is also important to prevent kidney stones.
Approach to Moderate Hypercalcemia
Those with moderate hypercalcemia may not need immediate therapy unless symptoms appear suddenly. In such cases, treatments like saline hydration and bisphosphonates are used to manage calcium levels effectively.
Managing Severe Hypercalcemia
Severe hypercalcemia requires aggressive treatment with intravenous saline, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates. These therapies work together to lower calcium levels rapidly and sustain control over time.
FAQs
How is mild hypercalcemia managed?
Avoid factors that worsen it and stay hydrated.
What about moderate hypercalcemia?
Moderate cases may need treatments like saline and bisphosphonates.
How is severe hypercalcemia treated?
With aggressive therapies like intravenous saline and bisphosphonates.
Why is hydration important?
Hydration helps prevent kidney stones.
Key Takeaways
Different levels of hypercalcemia require different treatment approaches.
Additional References
- Major P, Lortholary A, Hon J, et al. Zoledronic acid is superior to pamidronate in the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy. J Clin Oncol 2001; 19:558.
- Gucalp R, Theriault R, Gill I, et al. Treatment of cancer-associated hypercalcemia. Arch Intern Med 1994; 154:1935.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.