What is the prognosis for hypercalcemia?

What is the prognosis for hypercalcemia?

Unfortunately, cancer-related hypercalcemia has a poor prognosis, as it is most often associated with disseminated disease. Eighty percent of patients will die within a year, and there is a median survival of 3 to 4 months.

Is hypercalcemia life threatening?

Severe hypercalcemia can damage your kidneys, limiting their ability to cleanse the blood and eliminate fluid. Nervous system problems. Severe hypercalcemia can lead to confusion, dementia and coma, which can be fatal. Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).

Can hypercalcemia cause permanent damage?

Kidney failure: Severe hypercalcemia can lead to damage in the kidneys and possibly cause permanent loss of kidney function. Nervous system deficits: Severe hypercalcemia can lead to dementia and confusion.

How can hypercalcemia cause death?

The term ”hypercalcemic crisis”, often used for the condition, emphasizes its perceived life-threatening seriousness. The basis for this alarming view is that severe hypercalcemia is supposedly associated with high risk of cardiac arrhythmia and consequent cardiac arrest, as well as CNS effects that result in coma.

What is the most common cause of hypercalcemia?

The most common causes of hypercalcemia are primary hyper-parathyroidism and malignancy. Some other important causes of hypercalcemia are medications and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

What is the first line treatment for hypercalcemia?

Intravenous bisphosphonates are the treatment of first choice for the initial management of hypercalcaemia, followed by continued oral, or repeated intravenous bisphosphonates to prevent relapse.

Can hypercalcemia go away by itself?

People with mild hypercalcemia may not require treatment, and levels may return to normal over time. The doctor will monitor calcium levels and the health of the kidneys. If calcium levels continue to rise or do not improve on their own, further testing will likely be recommended.

Is hypercalcemia an emergency?

Hypercalcemic crisis is a life-threatening emergency. Aggressive intravenous rehydration is the mainstay of management in severe hypercalcemia, and antiresorptive agents, such as calcitonin and bisphosphonates, frequently can alleviate the clinical manifestations of hypercalcemic disorders.