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:
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.
Nazia Shamsuddin is an Endocrinologist in Ashburn, Virginia. Dr. Shamsuddin has been practicing medicine for over 15 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Thyroid Nodule, Hypercalcemia, and Idiopathic Hypercalciuria.
Richard Kim is an Internal Medicine doctor in Leesburg, Virginia. Dr. Kim has been practicing medicine for over 29 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are High Cholesterol, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, and Familial Hypertension. Dr. Kim is currently accepting new patients.
Neeharika Repaka is an Endocrinologist in Reston, Virginia. Dr. Repaka has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Subacute Thyroiditis, Hyperthyroidism, Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Type 1, and Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Dr. Repaka is currently accepting new patients.
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:
Contact your health care provider if:
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: The goal of this observational study or clinical trial is to learn about the effect of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) on vascular calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The main question it aims to answer is: the predictive effects of blood NGAL level on the efficacy of palicalcitol in the treatment of SHPT and the adverse r...
Summary: This study describes a single center, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial to assess the clinical benefits of the use of near infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) detection with an FDA-cleared device 'Parathyroid Eye (PTeye)' for identifying parathyroid glands (PGs) during parathyroidectomy (PTx) procedures. It compares risk-benefits and outcomes in PTx patients where NIRAF detection with PTeye ...
Published Date: October 31, 2021
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 Zieve, MD, MHA, 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. Metabolic alkalosis. In: Gilbert SJ, Weiner DE, eds. National Kidney Foundation Primer on Kidney Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 14.