Tag: Hypoparathyroidism

  • Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 4: controversies and prognostic indications

    Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 4: controversies and prognostic indications

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    Ionised hypocalcaemia (iHCa) is a well-known electrolyte abnormality in critical human patients, which is also beginning to be recognised in our critical feline and canine patients. The exact mechanism for the development of iHCa is still unknown – making prevention difficult, if at all possible. Controversy also exists as to whether treating iHCa is of…

  • Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 2: eclampsia

    Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 2: eclampsia

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    As discussed in part one of this blog series, a myriad of disease processes can lead to ionised hypocalcaemia (iHCa). Despite this, only hypocalcaemia caused by eclampsia and hypoparathyroidism (primary or iatrogenic – post-surgical parathyroidectomy) are severe enough to demand immediate parenteral calcium administration. Hypoparathyroidism is quite rare, so this blog will not explore the…

  • Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 1: introduction

    Ionised hypocalcaemia, pt 1: introduction

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    Low ionised calcium (iCa) is a widely recognised electrolyte disturbance in critically ill human patients who have undergone surgery, are septic, have pancreatitis, or have sustained severe trauma or burns. Similar changes occur in our critical canine and feline patients, though less well documented. Calcium plays a vital role in a myriad of physiological processes…