Clinical Significance

Calcium ions in serum decrease neuromuscular excitability, participate in blood coagulation, and activate enzymes. As part of the BMP and CMP, abnormal calcium levels lead to other underlying causes. Hypercalcemia may be seen in cancer-especially bone cancer, kidney transplant, tuberculosis, and in hyperthyroid states. Long-term lithium therapy may cause hyperparathyroidism with resulting hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia can be seen in malabsorption, alcoholism, hypoproteinemia, hypoparathyroidism, and acute pancreatitis. Low dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D deficiency may be other causes.