Hypercalcaemic and Hypocalcaemic Syndromes in Children

Mineral requirements vary considerably throughout life, reflecting the intensive mineral accretion that occurs in during childhood. The correct diagnosis of bone and mineral disorders as well as the monitoring of relevant therapies requires an understanding of the age-dependent changes in serum minerals and calciotropic hormones. Many heritable disorders of mineral homeostasis become evident in infancy and childhood and are best recognized when viewed within the appropriate context of mineral requirements and the hormonal milieu during the early stages of life. Thus, an understanding of the relevant physiology is central to formulating age-specific approaches to management of these various clinical problems. This chapter reviews features of calcium homeostasis specific to children, and the diagnosis and management of various inherited and acquired syndromes of hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia, in the context of physiology specific to childhood.