Diagnóstico diferencial de los síndromes hipocalcémicos

Hypocalcemia is a common finding in medical practice. The clinical manifestations include a wide spectrum, ranging from an accidental finding to an emergency situation requiring immediate therapeutic measures. Consequently, correct differential diagnosis is essential. In some cases the etiology is obvious, but in a few patients exhaustive investigations may be needed to determinate the origin of the hypocalcemia. The main factors that can influence serum calcium are serum phosphorus concentration, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D metabolite concentrations. The main causes of adult hypocalcemia, grouped by the physiopathological mechanism, are hypoalbuminemia, loss of calcium from the circulation, and inadequate entry of calcium into the circulation from the intestines or bone.