Review

Calcium Abnormalities in Hospitalized Patients

Depending upon the method of measurement, hypocalcemia occurs in 15% to 88% and hypercalcemia occurs in 15% of hospitalized patients. Ionized calcium should be measured in place of total serum calcium to avoid errors related to hypoalbuminemia, which is seen commonly in acutely ill patients. Symptomatic hypocalcemia requires prompt intravenous…