Approach to the Child with Hypercalcaemia

Endocr Dev. 2015:28:101-118. doi: 10.1159/000380998. Epub 2015 Jun 12.

Abstract

Hypercalcaemia is rare in children. In adulthood, the causes are most frequently malignancy and primary hyperparathyroidism. In children, however, the aetiologies are diverse and age specific, and many have an underlying genetic basis. Hypercalcaemia is a serious condition that frequently leads to end-organ damage. In order to provide the most appropriate treatment, a key part of the management pathway is to establish the correct diagnosis promptly. When considering a practical approach to hypercalcaemia in children, it is helpful to consider the causes of hypercalcaemia according to the accompanying levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), indicating whether the causes are PTH dependent or PTH independent. This chapter reviews the recent advances in this area and presents a practical approach to the investigation and subsequent management of this condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / complications
  • Hypercalcemia / congenital*
  • Hypercalcemia / diagnosis*
  • Hypercalcemia / etiology
  • Hypercalcemia / therapy
  • Hyperparathyroidism / complications
  • Hyperparathyroidism / diagnosis*
  • Hyperparathyroidism / therapy
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / complications
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / diagnosis
  • Parathyroid Hormone / metabolism
  • Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / complications
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / therapy
  • Parathyroidectomy
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Vitamin D / poisoning
  • Vitamins / poisoning
  • Williams Syndrome / complications
  • Williams Syndrome / diagnosis

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D

Supplementary concepts

  • Hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, familial, type 1
  • Jansen type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia