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Hypocalcaemia: Difference between revisions
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'''Hypocalcaemia''' is a disorder of [[calcium homeostasis]] characterised by low levels of calcium (free calcium < 1,15 mmol/L). It's a relatively | '''Hypocalcaemia''' is a disorder of [[calcium homeostasis]] characterised by low levels of calcium (free calcium < 1,15 mmol/L). It's a relatively uncommon electrolyte abnormality and the opposite of [[hypercalcaemia]]. | ||
99% of the body's calcium is in the bones. The remaining 1% is in the blood. 40% of calcium in the serum is bound to albumin, 10% is bound to other anions (lactate and citrate), and the remaining 50% exists as free calcium ions (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) in the serum. It is the free calcium which is biologically active and therefore is used to diagnose hypocalcaemia. Bound calcium is inactive. | 99% of the body's calcium is in the bones. The remaining 1% is in the blood. 40% of calcium in the serum is bound to albumin, 10% is bound to other anions (lactate and citrate), and the remaining 50% exists as free calcium ions (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) in the serum. It is the free calcium which is biologically active and therefore is used to diagnose hypocalcaemia. Bound calcium is inactive. | ||