Learn About Milk-Alkali Syndrome
Milk-alkali syndrome is a condition in which there is a high level of calcium in the body (hypercalcemia). This causes a shift in the body's acid/base balance toward alkaline (metabolic alkalosis). As a result, there can be a loss of kidney function.
Calcium-alkali syndrome; Cope syndrome; Burnett syndrome; Hypercalcemia; Calcium metabolism disorder
Milk-alkali syndrome is almost always caused by taking too many calcium supplements, usually in the form of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is a common calcium supplement. It is often taken to prevent or treat bone loss (osteoporosis). Calcium carbonate is also an ingredient found in antacids (such as Tums).
A high level of vitamin D in the body, such as from taking supplements, can worsen milk-alkali syndrome.
Calcium deposits in the kidneys and in other tissues can occur in milk-alkali syndrome.
In the beginning, the condition usually has no symptoms (asymptomatic). When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Back, middle of the body, and low back pain in the kidney area (related to kidney stones)
- Confusion, strange behavior
- Constipation
- Depression
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Other symptoms that can result from kidney failure
In severe cases, treatment involves giving fluids through the vein (by IV). Otherwise, treatment involves drinking fluids along with reducing or stopping calcium supplements and antacids that contain calcium. Vitamin D supplements also need to be reduced or stopped.
Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York
John Bilezikian is an Endocrinologist in New York, New York. Dr. Bilezikian is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Hyperparathyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Hypercalcemia, Parathyroidectomy, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Mineral Metabolism And Clinical Research Clinic
Naim Maalouf is an Endocrinologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Maalouf is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Hypercalcemia, Hyperparathyroidism, Parathyroidectomy, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Maalouf is currently accepting new patients.
Maria Brandi practices in Florence, Italy. Brandi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Their top areas of expertise are Osteoporosis, Hypophosphatemia, X-Linked Hypophosphatemia, Parathyroidectomy, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
This condition is often reversible if kidney function remains normal. Severe prolonged cases may lead to permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.
The most common complications include:
- Calcium deposits in tissues (calcinosis)
- Kidney failure
- Kidney stones
Contact your health care provider if:
- You take a lot of calcium supplements or you often use antacids that contain calcium, such as Tums. You may need to be checked for milk-alkali syndrome.
- You have any symptoms that might suggest kidney problems.
If you use calcium-containing antacids often, tell your provider about digestive problems. If you are trying to prevent osteoporosis, do not take more than 1.2 grams (1200 milligrams) of calcium per day unless instructed by your provider.
Summary: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) continues to be an increasing problem globally. Uterotonics play an essential role in the pharmacological management of uterine atony. Carbetocin, a long acting analog of oxytocin has been recommended as a first line uterotonic for PPH prophylaxis at cesarean delivery. Considering many woman have associated comorbidities and are at high risk of PPH, finding alternative ...
Summary: This trial is a multicenter, open-label, biology driven, phase II study using a sequential Bayesian design, aiming to assess the efficacy and safety of different Matched Targeted Therapy (MTT) in independent and parallel cohorts of treatment. Patients will be assigned to a treatment cohort based on molecular alterations/characteristics detected on tumor sample from primary tumor or metastatic lesi...
Published Date: December 31, 2023
Published By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bringhurst FR, Demay MB, Kronenberg HM. Hormones and disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.
DuBose TD, Rosner MH. Metabolic alkalosis. In: Gilbert S, ed. National Kidney Foundation Primer on Kidney Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 14.
Thakker RV. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 227.