Severe Hypercalcemia in a Postpartum Patient.
BACKGROUND
There are multiple clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia and several causes of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia caused by milk-alkali syndrome is increasing in frequency.


CASE REPORT
A 26-year-old woman presented after having undergone caesarian section. She complained of severe myalgias, arthralgias, an inability to ambulate, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and marked depression. Each of these symptoms has a broad differential diagnosis, but when considered together the theme "stones, bones, moans, and groans," seen in patients with hypercalcemia, is evident. This patient was found to have hypercalcemia caused by milk-alkali syndrome related to the ingestion of calcium carbonate. Her symptoms and hypercalcemia resolved with treatment. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians should be aware of the many different symptoms of hypercalcemia. This case emphasizes the need for a careful medication history for any patient presenting with hypercalcemia, including over the counter medications. Physicians should have a high level of suspicion for milk-alkali syndrome in patients with hypercalcemia because milk-alkali syndrome is no longer a rare etiology but rather one of the most common causes of hypercalcemia.
['Murphy|Megan L|ML|', 'Mattingly|Michael J|MJ|', 'Meisner|Craig T|CT|']
D000328:Adult D000863:Antacids D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents D002116:Calcitonin D002119:Calcium Carbonate D003863:Depression D005260:Female D006801:Humans D006934:Hypercalcemia D009120:Muscle Cramp D018908:Muscle Weakness D009325:Nausea D049590:Postpartum Period D011644:Puerperal Disorders D014839:Vomiting
hypercalcemia postpartum milk-alkali syndrome pregnancy