Milk-Alkali Syndrome: A Century Old Cause of Resurgence of Severe Hypercalcemia Due to Excessive Use of Calcium Supplements

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2023-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJCP Group
Abstract
The milk-alkali syndrome (MAS) is characterized by a triad of elevated calcium levels, metabolic alkalosis and acute kidney injury that commonly occurs due to the combined intake of large amounts of calcium and absorbable alkali. The syndrome can have an acute onset with the rapid development of hypercalcemia and, if left untreated, may result in acute renal failure and metastatic calcification. An increased number of cases of MAS have recently been reported. This is likely due to the common use of over the counter (OTC) preparations of calcium for preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Herein, we report a case of severe hypercalcemia due to prolonged intake of calcium carbonate supplements in the absence of any alkali.
Description
Keywords
Hypercalcemia, renal failure, alkalosis, calcium supplements
Citation
Sahu Utsav. Milk-Alkali Syndrome: A Century Old Cause of Resurgence of Severe Hypercalcemia Due to Excessive Use of Calcium Supplements. Indian Journal of Clinical Practice. 2023 Apr; 33(11): 37-39