Hypocalcemic cardiac failure in the emergency department

Cardiomyopathie dilatée hypocalcémique réversible induite par un hypoparathyroïdisme secondaire décompensé après une infection à la Covid-19 : à propos d’un cas

INTRODUCTION

Hypocalcemia, though rare, can lead to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and dilated cardiomyopathy. It may result from various etiologies, and its manifestations range from mild to life-threatening. Cardiovascular complications of hypocalcemia include QT interval prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure.we report a rare case of reversible hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 41-year-old woman with secondary hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy in 2018. She was treated with levothyroxine, calcitriol, and calcium and vitamin D supplements. Following a Covid-19 infection in May 2021, her hypoparathyroidism decompensated, leading to severe hypocalcemia, which was inadequately managed. Five months later, she presented with worsening dyspnea, orthopnea, and bilateral lower limb edema. Clinical examination revealed positive Chvostek and Trousseau's signs, indicating severe hypocalcemia. ECG showed sinus tachycardia with QT prolongation, and echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle with an ejection fraction (EF) of 29%. Despite normal coronary angiography, a CT scan showed bilateral pleural effusion and superior vena cava thrombosis. Laboratory findings confirmed hypocalcemia with elevated phosphorus and low parathyroid hormone levels. Intravenous calcium correction and heart failure management led to symptomatic improvement and normalization of serum calcium within one week. Echocardiography showed gradual recovery, with EF improving to 38% at 8 weeks and 57% after 6 months.

DISCUSSION

Calcium plays a critical role in cardiac contractility, and its deficiency can severely impact myocardial function. Hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy is a known complication and can worsen during systemic infections like Covid-19. While hypocalcemia-induced cardiomyopathy is reversible with proper treatment, it requires early recognition and aggressive correction. * CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of monitoring calcium levels in patients with hypoparathyroidism, especially in the context of systemic infections, to prevent potentially life-threatening complications like hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy. Proper diagnosis and treatment of hypocalcemia can lead to full recovery of cardiac function.

Cardiovascular status in chronic hypoparathyroidism: a systematic cross-sectional assessment in 168 patients

OBJECTIVE

Long-term complications such as renal diseases are well known in patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT), but risk of cardiovascular comorbidity remains less clear. This study comprehensively assessed cardiovascular parameters in hypoPT compared to matched controls.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort study involving 168 patients with chronic hypoPT.

METHODS

Patients underwent electrocardiograms, blood pressure measurements, and echocardiography. A 1:3 propensity score matching was performed with individuals from the German population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND) and the "Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B" (STAAB) cohort.

RESULTS

HypoPT showed significantly higher systolic (128 vs 125 mm Hg, P = .02) and diastolic blood pressures (83 vs 77 mm Hg, P < .01). Intake of antihypertensives was similar between groups. The QTc interval was markedly prolonged (438 vs 420 ms, P < .01) with QTc interval prolongation occurring significantly more frequently in hypoPT (24% vs 6%, P < .01). Interestingly, echocardiography revealed significantly lower left ventricular mass index (28 vs 43 g/m2.7, P < .01) and less frequent left ventricular hypertrophy (7%% vs 41%, P < .01) in hypoPT but comparable left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .48). HypoPT patients had higher prevalence of mitral (20 vs 0%, P < .01) and aortic valve stenoses (7 vs 2%, P < .01). Comparison with STAAB confirmed the increased prevalence of arterial hypertension and reduced myocardial mass indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with hypoPT exhibit a higher prevalence of QTc interval prolongation despite established therapy and an increased incidence of hypertension. Conversely, echocardiography revealed lower left ventricular mass and less frequent left ventricular hypertrophy in hypoPT, but higher prevalence of valve stenosis. Regular monitoring of hypertension, QTc interval prolongation, and valve stenosis is recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05585593.

Association between serum calcium level and the risk of acute kidney injury in ICU patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum calcium level and the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data on adults from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III and MIMIC-IV) databases, spanning from 2008 to 2019, were extracted. In the logistic regression models, confounding variables, including age, white blood cell (WBC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, international normalized ratio (INR), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), were finally adjusted by stepwise regression. The outcome event was the occurrence of AKI after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to assess the association between serum calcium level and the risk of AKI in SAH patients, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To further explore the association, subgroup analyses were performed, stratified by age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, drugs, and surgical methods.

Results

A total of 1,128 patients with SAH were included in the study, of which 457 patients developed AKI. Low levels of serum calcium were significantly associated with a high risk of AKI in patients with SAH, with an OR (95%CI) of 1.38 (1.01-1.89). Further subgroup analyses showed that low levels of calcium were significantly associated with a high risk of AKI in SAH patients aged ≥60 years (OR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.09-0.83), who had GCS score ≥13 (OR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.08-2.30), who did not use calcium channel blockers (CCB) (OR = 2.22, 95%CI: 1.16-4.25) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (OR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.06-2.14), and who did not undergo aneurysm embolization (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.01-2.17) and aneurysm clipping (OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.04-2.01).

Conclusion

The results of our study indicated that low levels of serum calcium were significantly associated with the risk of AKI in patients with SAH.

Serum total calcium levels as a non-linear predictor of in-hospital mortality in heart failure patients: insights from a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Calcium is pivotal in the regulation of bodily homeostasis, with numerous studies highlighting its link to cardiovascular disease in the adult population. However, the relationship between serum calcium levels and the prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients is not clear. This study explored the association between serum total calcium (STC) and in-hospital mortality in patients with HF.

METHODS

Clinical data of 1,176 patients with HF were obtained from the Multiparametric Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. The patients were categorized into STC quartiles, and baseline characteristics were comprehensively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. To explore the non-linear relationship between STC and mortality, a two-piecewise linear regression model was applied. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 159 (13.53%) patients experienced in-hospital mortality. Significant differences in various parameters were observed among STC quartiles. Univariate analysis identified numerous factors associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis confirmed STC as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, with a negative association persisting even after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio [OR]: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.32-0.76; P = 0.0016). Non-linear analysis revealed an inflection point at 8.41 mg/dL, below which the risk of in-hospital death significantly increased (OR: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.12-0.55; P = 0.0005). Subgroup analyses indicated a pronounced inverse association in patients without atrial fibrillation or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as those with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 50%.

CONCLUSION

This study identified STC as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in HF patients, with a non-linear relationship.

Impact of Calcium Phosphate Product on Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the association between admission-corrected serum calcium phosphate (CaPO4) levels and the risks of in-hospital acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality, hypothesizing a dose-dependent relationship between serum CaPO4 concentrations and the likelihood of developing AKI.

METHODS

This large retrospective cohort study analyzed hospitalized adult patients who had serum calcium, phosphate, and albumin levels measured within 24 hours of admission between January 2014 and December 2018. Piecewise regression was employed to identify the optimal CaPO4 cutoff values for predicting in-hospital AKI and mortality. Subsequently, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the risks of in-hospital AKI and mortality associated with these cutoff values.

RESULTS

A total of 2,116 patients were included in the study. The incidence rates of AKI for patients with CaPO4 levels ≤27 and >27 mg2/dL2 were 9.6% and 10.9%, respectively. The bilinear association pattern revealed the lowest risk of AKI at a CaPO4 level of 27 mg2/dL2. Piecewise regression analysis showed that each 1 mg2/dL2 increase in CaPO4 level above the 27 mg2/dL2 cutoff was associated with increased risks of in-hospital AKI and mortality, with OR of 1.048 (95% CI: 1.030-1.065) and 1.048 (95% CI: 1.032-1.065), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a critical relationship between elevated serum CaPO4 levels and increased risks of in-hospital AKI and mortality, with a notable cutoff at CaPO4 >27 mg2/dL2.

Propensity score analysis of red cell distribution width to serum calcium ratio in acute myocardial infarction as a predictor of in-hospital mortality

Objective

Red cell distribution width (RDW) and serum calcium (Ca) levels are predictors of in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. However, their sensitivity and specificity are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the RDW to Ca ratio (RCR) acquired on admission can be used to predict the in-hospital mortality of AMI patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study extracted clinical information from the Medical Information Market for Intensive IV (MIMIC-IV) database on 2,910 AMI patients enrolled via propensity score matching (PSM). Prognostic values were assessed using a multivariate logistic model and three PSM approaches. Analysis was performed based on stratified variables and interactions among sex, age, ethnicity, anemia, renal disease, percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, dementia, diabetes, paraplegia, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score.

Results

A total of 4,105 ICU-admitted AMI patients were analyzed. The optimal cut-off value of the RCR for in-hospital mortality was 1.685. The PSM was performed to identify 1,455 pairs (2,910) of score-matched patients, with balanced differences exhibited for nearly all variables.The patients' median age was 72 years (range, 63-82 years) and 60.9% were male. The risk of in-hospital mortality incidence increased with increasing RCR levels. After adjusting for confounders, the risk ratio for the incidence of in-hospital mortality for high RCR was 1.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60-1.94, P = 0.0113] compared to that associated with low RCR in the PSM cohort. High RCR was also substantially implicated in in-hospital mortality incidence in the weighted cohorts [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.62-1.94, P = 0.0129]. Assessment of RCR in three groups showed that patients with high RCR also had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR = 3.04; 95% CI, 2.22-4.16; P < 0.0001) than in patients with RCR in the adjusted model. In the sensitivity analysis, both the original and weighted groups showed similar results.

Conclusion

The RCR at admission may be useful for predicting in-hospital mortality in ICU-admitted AMI patients.

Association of admission serum calcium level with left ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

The relationship between serum calcium and left ventricular function in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been explored. Our aim was to investigate the correlation of admission serum calcium with left ventricular dysfunction in ACS patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 658 ACS patients who were admitted in the Department of Cardiovascular Disease from June 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2019 were enrolled in the present study. Serum calcium and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured at admission. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed using echocardiography. The correlation between admission serum calcium and left ventricular dysfunction was analyzed.

Results

When stratified by serum calcium quartiles calculated from all patients, patients with lower serum calcium quartile showed a markedly higher BNP and lower LVEF (P &lt; 0.05). Patients with LVEF ≤ 50% showed a significantly lower serum calcium and higher BNP compared to those with LVEF&gt; 50% (P &lt; 0.05). Admission serum calcium was positively correlated with LVEF (P &lt; 0.01) but negatively correlated with BNP (P &lt; 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower serum calcium (adjusted OR: 0.720, 95% CI: 0.519–0.997, P = 0.048) was independently associated with BNP ≥ 300 pg/ml in ACS patients. Using LVEF as a dependent variable, no significant correlation between low serum calcium and left ventricular systolic dysfunction was found in ACS patients.

Conclusions

In patients with ACS, admission serum calcium was positively correlated with LVEF and negatively with BNP. Lower admission serum calcium was an independent risk factor for elevated BNP.

Association between serum calcium level and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study

The association between serum calcium levels and the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains controversial. This study aimed to explore the association between serum calcium and in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI. The data of this study were extracted from the Philips eICU Collaborative Research Database. A total of 7284 patients were eventually enrolled in this study, of which 799 (10.97%) died during hospitalization. For each patient, serum calcium, corrected to albumin, was calculated and categorized into four groups: Q1 ≤ 8.5, Q2 8.5-9.5, Q3 9.5-10.5, and Q4 > 10.5 mg/dL. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that corrected sCa was an independent predictor of in-hospital death (Q2 vs. Q1, OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7, P < 0.001; Q3 vs. Q1, OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.0, P = 0.035; Q4 vs. Q1, OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3, P = 0.008). The association remained stable in the fully adjusted model. A significant U-shaped association between corrected serum calcium and in-hospital mortality was observed in piecewise linear regression model (Corrected sCa < 9.4 mg/dL, OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9, P < 0.001; corrected sCa > 9.4 mg/dL, OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.8, P < 0.001). In conclusion, both decreased and increased corrected serum calcium is associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, and patients may have the lowest risk of in-hospital death when corrected serum calcium is 9.4 mg/dL (2.35 mmol/L).

Dimethyl malonate slows succinate accumulation and preserves cardiac function in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock

BACKGROUND

Succinate (SI) is a citric acid cycle metabolite that accumulates in tissues during hemorrhagic shock (HS) due to electron transport chain uncoupling. Dimethyl malonate (DMM) is a competitive inhibitor of SI dehydrogenase, which has been shown to reduce SI accumulation and protect against reperfusion injury. Whether DMM can be therapeutic after severe HS is unknown. We hypothesized that DMM would prevent SI buildup during resuscitation (RES) in a swine model of HS, leading to better physiological recovery after RES.

METHODS

The carotid arteries of Yorkshire pigs were cannulated with a 5-Fr catheter. After placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter and femoral arterial line, the carotid catheters were opened and the animals were exsanguinated to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 45 mm. After 30 minutes in the shock state, the animals were resuscitated to a MAP of 60 mm using lactated ringers. A MAP above 60 mm was maintained throughout RES. One group received 10 mg/kg of DMM (n = 6), while the control received sham injections (n = 6). The primary end-point was SI levels. Secondary end-points included cardiac function and lactate.

RESULTS

Succinate levels increased from baseline to the 20-minute RES point in control, while the DMM cohort remained unchanged. The DMM group required less intravenous fluid to maintain a MAP above 60 (450.0 vs. 229.0 mL; p = 0.01). The DMM group had higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at the 20-minute and 40-minute RES points. The DMM group had better recovery of cardiac output and index during RES, while the control had no improvement. While lactate levels were similar, DMM may lead to increased ionized calcium levels.

DISCUSSION

Dimethyl malonate slows SI accumulation during HS and helps preserve cardiac filling pressures and function during RES. In addition, DMM may protect against depletion of ionized calcium. Dimethyl malonate may have therapeutic potential during HS.

Hypocalcemia as a cause of reversible heart failure: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction

In both pediatric and adult populations, hypocalcemia-induced heart failure is an extremely rare presentation. The aim of the current study is to report a case of reversible heart failure caused by severe hypocalcemia resulting from hypoparathyroidism, which was resolved by correcting the serum calcium level.

Case report

A 29-year-old female presented with orthopnea, dyspnea on mild exertion, and bilateral lower limb swelling. She had a positive Trousseau's sign. Vital signs were stable except for tachycardia. On chest auscultation, there were bilateral basal fine inspiratory crackles. She was immediately treated as a case of pulmonary edema with intravenous furosemide and oxygen therapy. Subsequent treatment for correcting the hypocalcemia was then initiated.

Discussion

Hypocalcemia has been proven to influence cardiac function, resulting in lower cardiac contractility as determined by decreased left ventricular work index, stroke index, and cardiac index. In rare circumstances, the clinical, biochemical (elevation of cardiac enzymes), electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic data may lead to an incorrect diagnosis of an acute ischemic attack.

Conclusion

Hypocalcemia as a possible factor leading to heart failure should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all individuals with congestive heart failure.

Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy - A rare and reversible entity

Calcium plays a vital key role in cardiac automatism and excitation-contraction coupling, with low serum levels associated with myocardial contractility compromise especially if myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum is unable to maintain enough calcium content to initiate normal cardiac contraction. We present a 42-year-old woman with postsurgical untreated hypoparathyroidism and severe hypocalcaemia manifested as acute heart failure, without underlying known cardiac disease. Hypocalcaemia is a rare and potentially reversible cause of cardiomyopathy, with very few cases reported in the literature. Restoration to normal serum calcium levels usually leads to a rapid improvement of cardiac function. This rare case report highlights the importance of considering hypocalcaemia as a potentially reversible cause of severe cardiac dysfunction. Exclusion of hypocalcemia due to surgical hypoparathyroidism is mandatory in any individual with acute heart failure previously subjected to thyroidectomy.

Hypocalcemia in trauma patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

During hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation, pathways reliant upon calcium such as platelet function, intrinsic and extrinsic hemostasis, and cardiac contractility are disrupted. The objective of this systematic review was to examine current literature for associations between pretransfusion, admission ionized hypocalcemia, and composite outcomes including mortality, blood transfusion requirements, and coagulopathy in adult trauma patients.

METHODS

This review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and grey literature from database inception till May 3, 2020. Case series and reports were excluded. Reference lists of appraised studies were also screened for articles that the aforementioned databases might not have captured. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality.

RESULTS

A total of 585 abstracts were screened through database searching and alternative sources. Six unique full-text studies were reviewed, of which three were excluded. Admission ionized hypocalcemia was present in up to 56.2% of the population in studies included in this review. Admission ionized hypocalcemia was also associated with increased mortality in all three studies, with increased blood transfusion requirements in two studies, and with coagulopathy in one study.

CONCLUSION

Hypocalcemia is a common finding in shocked trauma patients. While an association between admission ionized hypocalcemia and mortality, blood transfusion requirements, and coagulopathy has been identified, further prospective trials are essential to corroborating this association.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, level III.

Hospital-Acquired Serum Ionized Calcium Derangements and Their Associations with In-Hospital Mortality

Background: The objective of this study was to report the incidence of in-hospital serum ionized calcium derangement and its impact on mortality. Methods: We included 12,599 non-dialytic adult patients hospitalized at a tertiary medical center from January 2009 to December 2013 with normal serum ionized calcium at admission and at least 2 in-hospital serum ionized calcium values. Using serum ionized calcium of 4.60–5.40 mg/dL as the normal reference range, in-hospital serum ionized calcium levels were categorized based on the presence of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia in hospital. We performed logistic regression to assess the relationship of in-hospital serum ionized calcium derangement with mortality. Results: Fifty-four percent of patients developed new serum ionized calcium derangements: 42% had in-hospital hypocalcemia only, 4% had in-hospital hypercalcemia only, and 8% had both in-hospital hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia. In-hospital hypocalcemia only (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.01–1.64), in-hospital hypercalcemia only (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.02–2.68), and both in-hospital hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.14–2.62) were all significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality, compared with persistently normal serum ionized calcium levels. Conclusions: In-hospital serum ionized calcium derangements affect more than half of hospitalized patients and are associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

Identifying early postoperative serum parathyroid hormone levels as predictors of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy: A prospective non-randomized study

OBJECTIVE

There is no clear cut-off value of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) or calcium in which patients are at risk for hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. We evaluated the usefulness of serum calcium and PTH concentration measurements after total thyroidectomy in predicting late-occurring hypocalcemia.

DESIGN

A prospective, single-center, non-randomized longitudinal cohort study of 143 patients undergoing thyroidectomy between August 2019 and December 2019 with serum calcium and PTH levels sampled 1 h after surgery and on the first and fifth postoperative day. Hypocalcemia was defined as serum calcium levels < 2.14 mmol/L regardless of clinical symptoms. Normal PTH range was 1.6-6.9 pmol/L.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome measure was presence of hypocalcemia on the first and fifth postoperative day, analyzed by a logistic regression model. The PTH cut-off value for prediction of hypocalcemia was identified using a ROC curve comparing all three time points using the Youden J index.

RESULTS

Out of 143 patients, 52 (36.4%) had hypocalcemia on the fifth postoperative day. Advanced age, concomitant neck dissection and serum PTH levels < 2.9 pmol/L 1 h after surgery and on the first postoperative surgery day were associated with a high risk of hypocalcemia on the first and fifth postoperative day and need for higher doses of calcium supplements (P < 0.0001, AUC 0.748, 95% CI 0.669-0.817, with 76.92% sensitivity and 71.43% specificity).

CONCLUSION

Serum PTH level measured immediately postoperatively and on the first postoperative day is a reliable predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia with important clinical implications.

Hypocalcaemic cardiomyopathy: a description of two cases and a literature review

Hypocalcaemic cardiomyopathy is a rare form of dilated cardiomyopathy. The authors here present two cases in which symptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy was the result of severe hypocalcaemia. First, we report about a 26‐year‐old woman with primary hypoparathyroidism and then about a 74‐year‐old man with secondary hypoparathyroidism following a thyroidectomy. In both cases, the left ventricular systolic function improved after calcium supplementation. In the first case, a lack of compliance led to a repeated decrease of both serum calcium level and left ventricular systolic function. The authors also present a comprehensive summary of all cases of hypocalcaemic dilated cardiomyopathy that have been described in literature to date. The mean age of the affected patients was 48.3 years, of which 62% were female patients. The most common causes of hypocalcaemic cardiomyopathy are primary hypoparathyroidism (50%) and post‐thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism (26%). In the post‐thyroidectomy subgroup, the median time for the development of hypocalcaemic cardiomyopathy is 10 years (range: 1.5 months to 36 years). Hypocalcaemic cardiomyopathy leads to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in 87% of patients. Generally, the most common complications of hypoparathyroidism and/or hypocalcaemia are cerebral calcifications, cognitive deficit, and cataracts. Once calcium supplementation is administered, the disease has a good prognosis and, in most individuals, a significant improvement (21%) or even normalization (74%) of the left ventricular systolic function occurs.

Impact of Changes in Serum Calcium Levels on In-Hospital Mortality

Background and objectives: Calcium concentration is strictly regulated at both the cellular and systemic level, and changes in serum calcium levels can alter various physiological functions in various organs. This study aimed to assess the association between changes in calcium levels during hospitalization and mortality. Materials and Methods: We searched our patient database to identify all adult patients admitted to our hospital from January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2013. Patients with ≥2 serum calcium measurements during the hospitalization were included. The serum calcium changes during the hospitalization, defined as the absolute difference between the maximum and the minimum calcium levels, were categorized into five groups: 0–0.4, 0.5–0.9, 1.0–1.4, 1.5–1.9, and ≥2.0 mg/dL. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the independent association between calcium changes and in-hospital mortality, using the change in calcium category of 0–0.4 mg/dL as the reference group. Results: Of 9868 patients included in analysis, 540 (5.4%) died during hospitalization. The in-hospital mortality progressively increased with higher calcium changes, from 3.4% in the group of 0–0.4 mg/dL to 14.5% in the group of ≥2.0 mg/dL (p < 0.001). When adjusted for age, sex, race, principal diagnosis, comorbidity, kidney function, acute kidney injury, number of measurements of serum calcium, and hospital length of stay, the serum calcium changes of 1.0–1.4, 1.5–1.9, and ≥2.0 mg/dL were significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality with odds ratio (OR) of 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.10), 1.90 (95% CI 1.32–2.74), and 3.23 (95% CI 2.39–4.38), respectively. The association remained statistically significant when further adjusted for either the lowest or highest serum calcium. Conclusion: Larger serum calcium changes in hospitalized patients were progressively associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

A rare and reversible case of heart failure-Hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism

Physicians should look more carefully for the potential reversible causes of acute heart failure, namely hypoparathyroidism. The recovery of left ventricular function with the treatment of hypoparathyroidism underlines the importance of calcium and the reversibility of this type of cardiomyopathy.

[Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy induced by hypocalcaemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy: about a case]

We here report the case of a 38-year old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy induced by hypocalcaemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism. The patient had low calcium level (30 mg/L) and echocardiography showed dilated-hypokinetic cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (31.4%). She received calcitherapy associated with vitamin D3 and her evolution was marked by the normalization of the size of the cardiac cavities and of the left ventricular ejection fraction after normocalcemia.

Association of serum total and ionized calcium with all-cause mortality incritically ill patients with acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

There have been no epidemiological studies exploring the prognostic ability of serum total and ionized calcium (tCa and iCa) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). We assessed the association of admission tCa and iCa concentrations with all-cause mortality in these patients.

METHODS

We extracted clinical data from the MIMIC-III V1.4 database. Only the data for the first intensive care unit (ICU) admission of each patient were used and baseline data were extracted within 24 h after ICU admission. Cox proportional hazards models and subgroup analyses were used to determine the relationship between tCa and iCa concentrations and 30, 90 and 365-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AKI. A total of 10,207 eligible patients were studied. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, ethnicity and gender, both low-tCa (< 7.9 mg/dl) and low-iCa (<1.06 mmol/l) concentrations were significant predictors of risk of all-cause mortality. Furthermore, after adjusting for more confounding factors, low-iCa concentrations remained a significant predictor of all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 365 days (HR, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.06-1.33; 1.15, 1.05-1.27; 1.10, 1.01-1.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-iCa concentrations were independent predictors of all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AKI.

Beneficial Effects of Vitamin D on Insulin Sensitivity, Blood Pressure, Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Thickness, and Weight Loss in Refractory Obesity

IN BRIEF This study explored the impact of correcting vitamin D deficiency on blood pressure, metabolic status, and weight loss in patients with fatigue and obesity refractory to conventional interventions such as diet, exercise, behavioral modification, and pharmacotherapy. Correction of vitamin D deficiency in such patients was found to be significantly associated with weight reduction and improved insulin sensitivity.

Impact of admission serum calcium levels on mortality in hospitalized patients

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship between admission serum calcium levels and in-hospital mortality in all hospitalized patients.

METHODS

All adult hospitalized patients who had admission serum calcium levels available between years 2009 and 2013 were enrolled. Admission serum calcium was categorized based on its distribution into six groups (<7.9, 7.9 to <8.4, 8.4 to <9.0, 9.0 to <9.6, 9.6 to <10.1, and ≥10.1 mg/dL). The odds ratio (OR) of in-hospital mortality by admission serum calcium, using the calcium category of 9.6-10.1 mg/dL as the reference group, was obtained by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

18,437 patients were studied. The lowest incidence of in-hospital mortality was associated with admission serum calcium within 9.6 to <10.1 mg/dL. A higher in-hospital mortality rate was observed in patients with serum calcium <9.6 and ≥10.1 mg/dL. Also, 38% and 33% of patients with admission serum calcium <7.9 and ≥10.1 mg/dL were on calcium supplements before admission, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, both serum calcium <8.4 and ≥10.1 mg/dL were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality with ORs of 2.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-4.17], 1.74 (95% CI 1.21-2.53), and 1.69 (95% CI 1.10-2.59) when serum calcium were within <7.9, 7.9 to <8.4, and ≥10.1 mg/dL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia on admission were associated with in-hospital mortality. Highest mortality risk is observed in patients with admission hypocalcemia (<7.9 mg/dL). One-third of patients with hypercalcemia on admission were on calcium supplements.

Serum calcium levels independently predict in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Serum calcium levels (sCa) were reported to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors, incidence of coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The current study evaluated the association between sCa and in-hospital mortality among AMI patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients admitted in a tertiary medical center for AMI throughout 2002-2012 were analyzed. For each patient, mean sCa, corrected to albumin, was calculated and categorized to seven equally-sized groups: <8.9, 8.9-9.12, 9.12-9.3, 9.3-9.44, 9.44-9.62, 9.62-9.86, ≥9.86 mg/dL. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Out of 12,121 AMI patients, 11,446 were included, mean age 67.1 ± 14 years, 68% Males. Mean number of sCa values for patient was 4.2 ± 7.3. Mean sCa was 9.4 ± 0.53 mg/dL, range 5.6-13.2 mg/dL sCa was significantly associated with cardiovascular risk-factors, in-hospital complications, more frequent 3-vessel coronary artery disease and decreased rate of revascularization, often in a U-shaped association. Overall 794 (6.9%) patients died in-hospital. Multivariate analysis showed a significant U-shaped association between sCa and in-hospital mortality with sCa below 9.12 mg/dL and above 9.86 mg/dL as independent predictors of significantly increased in-hospital mortality: OR = 2.4 (95% CI:1.7-3.3) and 1.7 (95%CI:1.2-2.4), for Ca<8.9 and Ca≥9.86 mg/dL respectively p < 0.01, as compared with middle rage sCa group (9.3-9.44 mg/dL).

CONCLUSION

sCa is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI with a U-shaped association. Both increased and decreased sCa levels are associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality.

Admission calcium levels and risk of acute kidney injury in hospitalised patients

BACKGROUND

The risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) development among hospitalised patients with elevated calcium levels on admission remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of AKI in hospitalised patients stratified by various admission serum calcium levels.

METHODS

This is a single-centre retrospective study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. All hospitalised adult patients who had admission calcium levels available between 2009 and 2013 were enrolled. Admission calcium was categorised based on its distribution into six groups (≤7.9, 8.0-8.4, 8.5-8.9, 9.0-9.4, 9.5-9.9, and ≥10.0 mg/dL). The primary outcome was hospital-acquired AKI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the odds ratio of AKI for various admission calcium strata using calcium levels of 8.0-8.4 mg/dL (lowest incidence of AKI) as the reference group.

RESULTS

A total of 12 784 patients were studied. Hospital-acquired AKI occurred in 1779 (13.9%) patients. The incidence of AKI among patients with admission calcium ≤7.9, 8.0-8.4, 8.5-8.9, 9.0-9.4, 9.5-9.9 and ≥10 mg/dL was 14.7%, 11.7%, 11.8%, 14.6%, 15.8% and 17.3%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, admission calcium levels ≤7.9, 9.0-9.4, 9.5-9.9 and ≥10 mg/dL were associated with increased risk of AKI with odds ratios of 1.36 (95%CI 1.08-1.72), 1.29 (95%CI 1.08-1.56), 1.38 (95%CI 1.14-1.68) and 1.51 (95%CI 1.19-1.91), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Admission hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia are associated with an increased risk for hospital acquired AKI. Patients with admission hypercalcaemia (≥10 mg/dL) carry a 1.51-fold risk for AKI development during hospitalisation.

Admission Serum Calcium Levels Improve the GRACE Risk Score Prediction of Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score has been extensively validated to predict risk during hospitalization in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recently, serum calcium has been suggested as an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; however, the relationship between the 2 has not been evaluated.

HYPOTHESIS

The combination of GRACE risk score and serum calcium could provide better performance in risk prediction.

METHODS

The study enrolled 2229 consecutive patients with ACS. Independent predictors were identified by a multivariate logistic regression model. The incremental prognostic value added by serum calcium to the GRACE score was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULTS

Patients in the upper quartiles of serum calcium presented with lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratios for 3 upper quartiles vs lowest quartile, respectively: 0.443, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.206-0.953; 0.243, 95% CI: 0.090-0.654; and 0.210, 95% CI: 0.082-0.538). Area under the curve increased significantly after adding serum calcium to the GRACE score (0.685 vs 0.746; Z = 2.617, P = 0.009). Furthermore, inclusion of serum calcium in the GRACE score enhanced NRI (0.524; P = 0.009) and IDI (0.011; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower serum calcium level on admission is a possible indicator of increased risk of in-hospital mortality in ACS patients. Inclusion of serum calcium in the GRACE score may lead to a more accurate prediction of this risk. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Paraneoplastic hypocalcemia-induced heart failure in advanced breast cancer: A case report and literature review

Hypocalcemia is an uncommon clinical symptom of patients with malignant tumors, and a number of factors may be involved in its development. The present study describes the case of a 67-year-old Caucasian female, presenting with severe refractory hypocalcemia and heart failure. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer and bone metastases. The paraneoplastic origin of the syndrome was confirmed by its complete resolution once the tumor responded to specific antineoplastic treatments, comprising weekly paclitaxel and aromatase inhibitor administration. The present case report suggested the need for greater awareness of the possibility of paraneoplastic hypocalcemia in breast cancer patients, and suggested that this condition may also contribute to the occurrence of heart failure. The mechanisms potentially responsible for this event were discussed and a brief review of the literature presented.

Calcium Disorders in the Emergency Department: Independent Risk Factors for Mortality

Background

Calcium disorders are common in both intensive care units and in patients with chronic kidney disease and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether calcium abnormalities in unselected emergency department admissions have an impact on in-hospital mortality.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis included all admissions to the Emergency Department at the Inselspital Bern, Switzerland from 2010 to 2011. For hyper- and hypocalcaemic patients with a Mann-Whitney U-test, the differences between subgroups divided by age, length of hospital stay, creatinine, sodium, chloride, phosphate, potassium and magnesium were compared. Associations between calcium disorders and 28-day in-hospital mortality were assessed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

8,270 patients with calcium measurements were included in our study. Overall 264 (3.2%) patients died. 150 patients (6.13%) with hypocalcaemia and 7 patients with hypercalcaemia (6.19%) died, in contrast to 104 normocalcaemic patients (1.82%). In univariate analysis, calcium serum levels were associated with sex, mortality and pre-existing diuretic therapy (all p<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia were independent risk factors for mortality (HR 2.00 and HR 1.88, respectively; both p<0.01).

Conclusion

Both hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia are associated with increased 28-day in-hospital mortality in unselected emergency department admissions.

Low serum calcium is associated with poor renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease stages 3-4 patients

Background

Mineral disorders are associated with adverse renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Previous studies have associated hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia with mortality; however, the association between serum calcium and renal outcome is not well-described. Whether adding calcium besides phosphorus or in the form of calcium-phosphorus (Ca × P) product into the model of survival analysis could improve the prediction of renal outcomes is not known.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 2144 outpatients with CKD stages 3–4 was evaluated. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed according to calcium quartiles.

Results

The mean calcium level was 9.2 ± 0.7 mg/dL. Low serum calcium (<9.0 mg/dL) was associated with increased risk of requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) (hazards ratio [HR]:2.12 (95% CI: 1.49–3.02, P <0.05) and rapid renal function progression (odds ratio [OR]: 1.65 (95% CI: 1.19–2.27, P <0.05) compared with high serum calcium (>9.8 mg/dL). Adding calcium into the survival model increased the integrated discrimination improvement by 0.80% (0.12% – 1.91%) while calcium-phosphorus product did not improve risk prediction.

The combination of high serum phosphorus (>4.2 mg/dL) and low serum calcium (<9.1 mg/dL) was associated with the highest risk of RRT (HR:2.31 (95% CI: 1.45–3.67, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Low serum calcium is associated with increased risk of RRT and rapid renal function progression in CKD stage 3–4 patients. The integration of serum calcium and phosphorus, but not calcium-phosphorus product should be considered in a predictive model of renal outcome.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2369-15-183) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Calcium, magnesium, and phosphate abnormalities in the emergency department

Derangements of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. These minerals have vital roles in the cellular physiology of the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. This article describes the pathophysiology of these mineral disorders. It aims to provide the emergency practitioner with an overview of the diagnosis and management of these disorders.

Pathology, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies of endocrine disorders and their cardiac complications

The cardiovascular system is affected by a multitude of endocrine disorders, including dysfunction of the thyroid, calcium, glucocorticoids, insulin/glucose, and growth hormone axes. Since most of these changes in the cardiovascular system are reversible when treated, early diagnosis is important, as if left untreated, they may become fatal. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, pathology, and treatment of patients with these endocrine diseases who present with a variety of cardiovascular manifestations. Neuroendocrine tumors presenting with the carcinoid syndrome and their cardiovascular manifestations are also discussed.

Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy

The association between hypocalcemia and heart failure is rare. There are few reported cases in the literature of this association, which is termed hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with no relevant medical history, admitted for progressively worsening exertional dyspnea, orthopnea and edema of the lower limbs for a previous month. Physical examination showed diffuse muscle spasms, with no signs of latent tetany.Further investigation revealed ionized calcium 0.54 mmol/l (normal 1.12-1.30), phosphorus 9.8 mg/dl, parathyroid hormone <2.5 pg/ml and CK >3000 U/l, with normal thyroid function. The electrocardiogram showed long QT interval and a pattern of left ventricular overload, and myocardial biomarkers were negative. The echocardiogram revealed regional wall motion abnormalities, coronary angiography was normal and a cranial CT scan detected calcification of basal ganglia and white matter. She started diuretic and calcium replacement therapy which resulted in complete clinical recovery, with no need for heart failure therapy after normalization of serum calcium.

Quality and adequacy of dietary intake in a southern urban heart failure population

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the quality and adequacy of dietary intake in patients attempting to limit sodium.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the dietary intake of persons with heart failure (HF) in the Southern United States who have been advised to limit their sodium intake.

METHODS

Three-day food diaries were completed by 114 New York Heart Association class II and III persons with HF enrolled in a family partnership intervention study, which were reviewed by a dietitian and analyzed using validated nutritional software. The Harris-Benedict equation for sedentary adults was used to determine macronutrient intake adequacy. Demographic information and clinical data were obtained through patient report and medical record review.

RESULTS

Dietary sodium ingestion ranged from 522 to 9251 mg/d (mean [SD], 2671 [1432] mg/d), with 38 (33.3%) individuals consuming the recommended 2000 mg/d or less in this sample (age, 28-78 years; 64.0% men; 57.0% African American). Mean (SD) caloric intake for the total sample was 1674 (636) kcal/d, with participants eating 99% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein, 63% of the RDA of carbohydrates, and 89% of the RDA of fat. Participants eating 2000 mg or less of sodium consumed significantly less calories (P < .001), protein (P < .001), carbohydrates (P = .008), and fat (P < .001), but not fiber (P = .103), compared with those consuming more than 2000 mg of sodium after adjusting for body mass index. When analyzed by amount of sodium consumption, persons ingesting 2000 mg or less of sodium per day ate significantly less grains (P = .001) and meat and beans (P = .004) and had less intake of the micronutrients calcium (P < .001), zinc (P = .002), and thiamine (P = .05).

CONCLUSION

Only one-third of participants with HF who have been instructed on a low-sodium diet reported consuming the RDA of 2000 mg or less, indicating the need for further dietary instruction with a particular focus on modifying the Southern US diet.

Hypocalcemia: a sometimes overlooked cause of heart failure in the elderly

Heart failure, a common condition affecting older patients, is associated with increased hospitalization and mortality rates among geriatric patients. We describe the case of an 86-year-old woman with moderate renal failure, who presented pulmonary edema and severe myocardial dysfunction due to hypocalcemia. Renal failure, but also the combination of additional factors, may have contributed to hypocalcemia, including vitamin D deficiency, loop diuretics and glucocorticoid therapy - which alone can give rise to sodium retention and calciuresis, and worsens hypocalcemia. Although in animal experiments hypocalcemia has been shown to lead to cardiac decompensation, heart failure from hypocalcemia is quite rare in clinical practice. Calcium plays a key role in cardiac muscle contraction and metabolism. It is recommended that physicians check serum calcium levels in the elderly, as hypocalcemia is a reversible cause of heart failure.

Use of recombinant human parathyroid hormone in hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy

Hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism is a rare cause of congestive heart failure. However, its early recognition and treatment lead to significant improvement in cardiac function. We report a middle-aged woman presenting with symptoms of heart failure with a serum calcium level of 3.7 mg/dl and a serum inorganic phosphate level of 17.6 mg/dl 22 years after subtotal thyroidectomy. Besides calcium and calcitriol supplementation, she was the first patient with severe hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy to be given off-label recombinant human parathyroid hormone (PTH) because of an elevated serum calcium-phosphate product. We discuss the management and outcome of the patient and then present a brief review of similar previously reported cases. We also describe the pivotal role of calcium ion and the potential role of PTH in maintaining myocardial contractility, effective natriuresis, and possible pathogenic mechanisms contributing to heart failure secondary to hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.

[A reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy: hypocalcemia]

BACKGROUND

Hypocalcemia is very rare reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) witch can concern one or both ventricules. We here presented two cases of DCMP that caused by hypocalcemia and recovered totally after oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation. CASE PRESENTATION 1: A 29-year-old Caucasian female was admitted in our hospital due to congestive heart failure with dyspnea (NYHA class IV) and generalized edema for 2days. She had a history of total thyroidectomy one year a go. She had taken synthyroid as a daily medication associated to calcium supplementation and vitamin D because of hypoparathyroidism. Patient was not compliant to treatment. Trans thoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed a dilated left ventricule (LV) with global hypokinesia with 28% of left ventricule ejection and moderate mitral regurgitation. Laboratory test showed a severe hypocalcemia. After correction of hypocalcemia, there was a clear clinical improvement and four months later a total recovery was found. CASE PRESENTATION 2: A 44-year-old Caucasian male was referred to the hospital for rebel congestive heart failure with dyspnea and edema of lower limbs despite optimal treatment. Patient had no medical past history. TEE showed dilated cardiomyopathy with severe alteration of left ventricule systolic function (25%). Biological tests showed a hypocalcemia and primary hypoparathyroidism. An improvement of symptoms after correction of metabolic disorder was found. LV gradually recovered its performance.

CONCLUSION

Patients outcome in end stage heart failure is different from the classical outcomes in patients with hypocalcemia induced heart disease. DCMP induced by hypocalcemia should be considered in patients with heart failure associated with medical conditions leading to hypocalcemia. It requires a specific treatment.

Intraoperative calcium-related risk factors for biochemical acute pancreatitis after living-donor liver transplantation

Laboratory-based biochemical acute pancreatitis (BAP) is considered to be a benign but common complication after liver transplantation (LT), which to compensate for transfusion-related hypocalcemia, usually demands a large quantity of exogenous calcium which may be associated with pancreatic injury. We sought to investigate the relationship between intraoperative calcium-related factors and BAP occurrence after living-donor LT. Perioperative data, including intraoperative calcium chloride administration and serum calcium levels, were reviewed from 217 patients who underwent living-donor LT. Hyperamylasemia (≥ 458 U/L) was used to define posttransplantation BAP according to previous reports. Posttransplantation BAP was identified among 37 patients (17.3%), who showed a greater death rate than those in the non-BAP group (21.6% vs 8.6%; P = .013). Compared to with calcium-related parameters, the 2 groups showed differences in the amount of calcium chloride administered during the preanhepatic phase, the serum calcium surge during the initial 2 h after the liver graft reperfusion, the last serum calcium level, and the amount of transfused pack red blood cells (P < .05). However, after multivariate adjustment, only the amount of administered calcium chloride during the preanhepatic phase (odds ratios, 2.11-5.87, depending an amount) and the serum calcium surge during the initial 2 hours after liver graft reperfusion (odds ratio, 2.34) were selected as risk factors for posttransplantation BAP. The risk ratio of posttransplantation BAP increased in proportion to the administered amount of calcium chloride. In conclusion, limiting excessive calcium administration during the preanhepatic phase and close monitoring of the serum calcium surge after reperfusion may be required to prevent posttransplantation BAP in living-donor LT.

Irreversible end-stage heart failure in a young patient due to severe chronic hypocalcemia associated with primary hypoparathyroidism and celiac disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic hypocalcemia may cause electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and mimic acute myocardial infarction. It has also been associated with reversible cardiac dysfunction. On the other hand cardiomyopathy and heart failure have been reported in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism or celiac disease.

CLINICAL CASE

A 39-year-old male was admitted to the emergency room with acute retrosternal pain and dyspnea. He exhibited severe hypocalcemia and acute renal failure. High creatine kinase (CK) levels did not correlate with biomarkers of myocardial necrosis (negative troponin test, heart type creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) < 1% of CK value). The ECG showed an extremely long QT interval (0.6 sec) and T-wave inversions on V(4) through V(6). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was as low as 25%, while coronary angiography was normal. Investigation of the hypocalcemia revealed primary hypoparathyroidism (Parathyroid hormone (PTH) < 3 pg/ml) and concomitant celiac disease with positive antigliadin and endomysial antibodies. The cardiovascular episodes and the dilated heart failure were attributed to the chronic hypocalcemia since no other cause was found. The correction of hypocalcemia has not been sufficient to reverse the end-stage heart failure after more than 6 months of treatment, even though ECG abnormalities have receded, implying permanent cardiac impairment.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates an unusual clinical condition where 2 calcium homeostasis disorders led to severe hypocalcemia with clinical manifestations of end-stage heart failure. The severe cardiac failure appeared to be nonreversible after calcium repletion suggesting permanent cardiac muscle dysfunction due to associated cardiomyopathy.

The value of initial ionized calcium as a predictor of mortality and triage tool in adult trauma patients

Ionized hypocalcemia is a common finding in critically ill patients, but the relationship between ionized hypocalcemia and mortality risk in trauma patients has not been well established. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of initial ionized calcium (iCa) in predicting mortality in the trauma population, and evaluate its superiority over the three other triage tools: base deficit, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score, and triage-revised trauma score (t-RTS). A pro-and retrospective study was performed on 255 consecutive trauma patients admitted to our Emergency Medical Center from January to December, 2005, who underwent arterial blood gas analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed iCa (<or=0.88 mM/L), low Glasgow coma scale score, and a large transfusion amount to be significant risk factors associated with mortality (p<0.05). The sensitivities of iCa, base deficit, SIRS score, and t-RTS were 82.9%, 76.4%, 67.1%, and 74.5%, and their specificities were 41.0%, 64.1%, 64.1%, and 87.2%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the areas under the curves of these parameters to be 0.607+/-0.062, 0.736+/-0.056, 0.694+/-0.059, and 0.875+/-0.043, respectively (95% confidence interval). Although initial iCa (<or=0.88 mM/L) was confirmed as a significant risk factor associated with mortality, it exhibited a poorer discriminative power for mortality prediction than other predictors, especially t-RTS.