Key notes on symptom control issues in Palliative Care

Symptoms of hypercalcaemia

Symptoms are variable and give no indication of the calcium level. In general the more rapid the rise in calcium level the more poorly and symptomatic the patient is. It may be very difficult to differentiate hypercalcaemia from a general deterioration in a patient’s condition. If untreated hypercalcaemia is fatal.

Common symptoms that MAY indicate a raised adjusted calcium level include:

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  Fatigue and lethargy
  
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  Nausea and/or vomiting
  
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  Anorexia
  
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  Increasing pain, particularly bone pain, but can be very non-specific.
  
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  Intractable constipation
  
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  Drowsiness, confusion that may be intermittent, leading ultimately to coma.