Hypocalcaemia or
hypocalcemia is the presence of low
serum calcium levels in the
blood. Physiologically, blood calcium is tightly regulated within a narrow range for proper cellular processes. Calcium in the blood exists in three primary states: bound to proteins (mainly albumin), bound to anions such as phosphate and citrate, and as free (unbound)
ionized calcium. Only the ionized calcium is physiologically active. Normal blood calcium level is between 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.12 to 2.62 mmol/L) and that of ionized calcium is 4.65 to 5.25 mg/dL (1.16 to 1.31 mmol/L). Common causes of hypocalcemia include
hypoparathyroidism,
vitamin D deficiency, and
chronic kidney disease. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include neuromuscular irritability (including
tetany as manifested by
Chvostek's sign or
Trousseau's sign,
bronchospasm), electrocardiographic changes, and
seizures. Treatment is dependent upon the cause, but most commonly includes supplementation of calcium and some form of vitamin D or its analogues.