Health-behavior induced disease: return of the milk-alkali syndrome

The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance

Baking soda and vinegar have been used as home remedies for generations and today we are only a mouse-click away from claims that baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar are miracles cures for everything from cancer to COVID-19. Despite these specious claims, the therapeutic value of controlling acid-base balance is indisputable and is the basis of Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for constipation, epilepsy, metabolic acidosis, and peptic ulcers. In this narrative review, we present evidence in support of the current and potential therapeutic value of countering local and systemic acid-base imbalances, several of which do in fact involve the administration of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Furthermore, we discuss the side effects of pharmaceuticals on acid-base balance as well as the influence of acid-base status on the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. Our review considers all major organ systems as well as information relevant to several clinical specialties such as anesthesiology, infectious disease, oncology, dentistry, and surgery.

A Case of Hypercalcemia after Thyroidectomy

Total thyroidectomy is complicated by hypoparathyroidism in 1-3% of patients. Hypoparathyroidism is treated with oral calcium and vitamin-D supplements. Everyday use of calcium and vitamin D can lead sometimes to hypercalcemia. Ingestion of large amounts of calcium and absorbable alkali that cause hypercalcemia, various degrees of renal failure, and metabolic alkalosis, can be associated with a diagnosis of calcium-alkali syndrome. This syndrome was first identified as milkalkali syndrome, after treatment of peptic ulcer disease with milk and alkali which was widely adopted at the beginning of the 20th century. With the introduction of histamine-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, the occurrence of milk-alkali syndrome became rare; however, it has emerged recently as calcium-alkali syndrome because of the wide availability and increasing use of calcium carbonate, mostly for osteoporosis prevention. We present a female patient with hypoparathyroidism who presented with hypercalcemia and alkalosis as a result of treatment with calcium carbonate, vitamin D and thiazide diuretic. The patient was treated successfully by discontinuation of the above drugs, intravenous fluid administration and enhancement of calcium renal excretion. Hypercalcemia presenting as calcium-alkali syndrome is a diagnosis that requires a high index of suspicion in order to quickly identify the disorder and initiate appropriate therapy. It is important for clinicians to keep the syndrome on their list of differential diagnosis.

Hypercalcemia Associated with Calcium Supplement Use: Prevalence and Characteristics in Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND

The ingestion of large amounts of milk and antacids to treat peptic ulcer disease was a common cause of hypercalcemia in the past (the "milk-alkali syndrome"). The current popularity of calcium and supplements has given rise to a similar problem.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of hypercalcemia induced by calcium intake ("calcium supplement syndrome"; or CSS) in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective; electronic health record (EHR)-based review of patients with hypercalcemia over a 3-year period. Diagnosis of CSS was based on the presence of hypercalcemia; a normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) level; renal insufficiency; metabolic alkalosis; a history of calcium intake; and documented improvement with treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 72 patients with non-PTH mediated hypercalcemia; 15 (20.8%) satisfied all the criteria for the diagnosis of CSS. Calcium; vitamin D; and multivitamin ingestion were significantly associated with the diagnosis (p values < 0.0001; 0.014; and 0.045 respectively); while the presence of hypertension; diabetes; and renal insufficiency showed a trend towards statistical significance. All patients received intravenous fluids; and six (40%) received calcium-lowering drugs. The calcium level at discharge was normal 12 (80%) of patients. The mean serum creatinine and bicarbonate levels decreased from 2.4 and 35 mg/dL on admission respectively; to 1.6 mg/dL and 25.6 mg/dL at discharge respectively.

CONCLUSION

The widespread use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation can manifest as hypercalcemia and worsening of kidney function in susceptible individuals. Awareness among health care professionals can lead to proper patient education regarding these health risks.

Calcium-alkali syndrome in the modern era

The ingestion of calcium, along with alkali, results in a well-described triad of hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and renal insufficiency. Over time, the epidemiology and root cause of the syndrome have shifted, such that the disorder, originally called the milk-alkali syndrome, is now better described as the calcium-alkali syndrome. The calcium-alkali syndrome is an important cause of morbidity that may be on the rise, an unintended consequence of shifts in calcium and vitamin D intake in segments of the population. We review the pathophysiology of the calcium-alkali syndrome.

Antacids, Altered Mental Status, and Milk-Alkali Syndrome

The frequency of milk-alkali syndrome decreased rapidly after the development of histamine-2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease; however, the availability and overconsumption of antacids and calcium supplements can still place patients at risk (D. P. Beall et al., 2006). Here we describe a patient who presented with altered mental status, hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and acute renal failure in the context of ingesting large amounts of antacids to control dyspepsia.