Hypocalcaemia is a serum calcium of <2.1 mmol/L (normal range 2.1–2.6 mmol/L) with an ionised fraction <0.8 mmol Causes Associated with high serum phosphate ● Chronic renal failure ● Hypoparathyroidism ● Rhabdomyolysis ● Phosphate therapy You’re Reading a Preview Become a…
Hypercalcaemia is a serum calcium >2.62 mmol/L (normal range 2.1–2.6 mmol/L). It may be an asymptomatic laboratory finding. Symptoms usually become apparent with levels >3.50 mmol Causes ● Malignancy ■ Solid tumour with lytic bony metastases, e.g. Ca breast, bronchus…
The normal serum sodium level is 135–145 mmol Hyponatraemia refers to serum sodium levels of <135 mmol/L, and serum sodium of <120 mmol/L is considered severe. Causes Hypovolaemic ● Gastrointestinal losses ● Diarrhoea ● Vomiting ● Enterocutaneous fistula ● Renal…
The normal serum sodium level is 135–145 mmol Hypernatraemia refers to a serum sodium level >145 mmol Causes Decreased water intake ● Confusion You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles Become…
Hypokalaemia is a reduced blood level of potassium <3.5 mmol Causes You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles Become membership If you are a member. Log in here
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Hypoglycaemia is defined as a plasma glucose <2.5 mmol The actual glucose level at which symptoms develop varies markedly. Causes Drugs ● Insulin ● Sulfonylurea ● Alcohol ● Beta blockers ● Quinolones ● Pentamidine ● Quinine You’re Reading a Preview…
Hyperglycaemia is defined as a plasma glucose >7.0 mmol By far the most common cause is diabetes mellitus. Causes Endocrine ● Diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2) You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and…
Unintentional weight loss is often a manifestation of significant underlying disease and should never be ignored. Causes Systemic disease ● Malignancy ● Cardiac failure ● Chronic respiratory disease ● Renal failure ● Liver failure ● Malabsorption ● Connective tissue disease…
Weight gain is extremely common and the most frequent cause is simple obesity. Excessive weight gain itself has deleterious effects on general health. With the exception of simple obesity and pregnancy, other conditions only account for ,1% of patients presenting…