Hypocalcemia in Acute Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a glandular organ which lies behind the stomach in the upper-left quadrant of the abdomen. The pancreas not only secretes essential digestive enzymes, it also secretes vital hormones known as insulin and glucagon. While the pancreatic enzymes help in the digestion of food, and bicarbonate that is secreted by the pancreas raises the pH of the stomach, the production of insulin by the pancreas, plays a vital role in the absorption of glucose into cells and tissues of the body.

In medical terminology, inflammation of the pancreas is referred to as pancreatitis. Sudden onset of inflammation of the pancreas is referred to as acute pancreatitis. Prolonged use of certain prescription drugs, alcohol abuse or presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or the biliary ducts, are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis in adults.

If left untreated, inflammation of pancreas can give rise to serious complications. For instance, in the absence of timely treatment, one is at an increased risk of suffering from hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in blood). In this article, we will be looking into the possible reasons for the high incidence of hypocalcemia in acute pancreatitis.

Calcium is an essential mineral that is present in the body in the free or ionized form, or in the form of protein-bound calcium. Almost half of the total calcium is in the ionized form, and a substantial part of the rest of the calcium is bound to a protein called albumin.

A small amount of calcium is also present in the form of calcium lactate, calcium bicarbonate and calcium citrate. Out of all of these forms, it is the free form of calcium that is easily available to the cells of the body.

This is the reason why, the levels of ionized calcium is considered to be extremely essential for the diagnosis of hypocalcemia. Studies have revealed that hypocalcemia may occur as a complication of acute pancreatitis.

Though there isn't conclusive evidence to prove the exact cause of high incidence of low blood calcium levels in acute pancreatitis, it is believed that hypocalcemia may be connected to low levels of albumin that may be caused due to acute pancreatitis.

Hormonal imbalance, especially the decreased secretion of the parathyroid hormone, that may occur as a result of inflammation of the pancreas may also be responsible for low levels of calcium in the blood. Increase in the levels of calcitonin could be the reason why one may exhibit symptoms of hypocalcemia along with the symptoms of pancreatitis.

Calcitonin is a hormone that is secreted when the levels of calcium in the blood rise beyond the normal limits. Calcitonin lowers the levels of calcium in the blood. It is believed that increased secretion of a hormone called glucagon may stimulate the release of calcitonin. This may cause low calcium levels in the blood. Besides these theories, it is also believed that fatty acids that are released by the enzymes may bind to calcium and form chalky deposits, which in turn, may lower the levels of calcium in the blood.

Hypocalcemia symptoms that may be exhibited by the patient include formation of petechia or purpura, tingling sensation around the lips and mouth, tendon reflexes, laryngospasms, twitching or muscle spasms. If one is experiencing such symptoms, one must seek medical help for the treatment of hypocalcemia immediately.

Since hypocalcemia causes also include eating disorders, magnesium deficiency, defective vitamin D metabolism, renal failure, alkalosis and various other medical conditions, it is essential to identify the underlying cause.

Hypocalcemia is a common complication of acute pancreatitis, and if inflammation of pancreas is identified as the underlying cause of hypocalcemia, there is a need to treat pancreatitis. While drug therapy will certainly help in reducing the inflammation, one would also have to follow certain dietary guidelines.

One must follow the suggested diet. It's extremely essential that one refrains from smoking or consumption of alcohol. Excessive consumption of fatty foods can cause formation of gallstones, which in turn, may increase the risk of pancreatitis. One must therefore, cut down on the intake of fats.

As far as the treatment of hypocalcemia is concerned, supplementation of calcium would be required. Including dietary sources of calcium would also help. Any other factor that may be affecting the absorption of calcium would need to be identified and addressed at the earliest.

This was some information on the possible reasons for high incidence of hypocalcemia in people diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Since acute pancreatitis as well as hypocalcemia are both serious medical conditions, one must never ignore the symptoms of these diseases. If one has been experiencing serious abdominal discomfort along with symptoms of hypocalcemia, one must consult a doctor soon.