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Is the calcium supplementation in palliative care always unnecessary?

Publication |
2018

Abstract

Disruption of calcium homeostasis is a common complication in oncological patients, particularly in patients with metastatic bone disorder. Imbalance of bone metabolism may lead to hypercalcaemia or to less common hypocalcaemia.

The following article presents a case report of a patient with diagnosis of a lung cancer. Significant hypocalcaemia was detected at the time of hospital admission.

After initial intravenous mineral supplementation therapy, the deficiency of vitamin D was considered within the differential diagnosis of hypocalcaemia. Subsequent vitamin D metabolite blood test confirmed serious hypovitaminosis.

Based on the laboratory findings, mineral and vitamin D supplementations were adjusted during the hospitalization. The patient was referred to a hospice care.

In addition to the correct treatment of hypocalcaemia, this article also includes options of its sup- plementation, both parenteral and oral.