title: Got calcium? Welcome to the calcium-alkali syndrome.
abstract: We recommend changing the name of the milk-alkali syndrome to the calcium-alkali syndrome, because the new terminology better reflects the shifting epidemiology and understanding of this disorder. The calcium-alkali syndrome is now the third most common cause of hospital admission for hypercalcemia, and those at greatest risk are postmenopausal or pregnant women. The incidence of the calcium-alkali syndrome is growing in large part as a result of the widespread use of over-the-counter calcium and vitamin D supplements. Advertising for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis has long encouraged this use. Intricate mechanisms mediating the calcium-alkali syndrome depend on interplay among intestine, kidney, and bone. New insights regarding its pathogenesis focus on the key role of calcium-sensing receptors and TRPV5 channels in the modulation of renal calcium excretion. Restoring extracellular blood volume, increasing GFR and calcium excretion, and discontinuing calcium supplementation provide best treatment.
authors.affiliation: Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Ami M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Stanley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goldfarb
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000209:etiology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D002118:Calcium