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Hypercalcemia and Malignant Disease in the Elderly: Magnesium Sulphate Therapy
Author(s) -
RAY ASWINI K.,
RAO DODDA B.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1974.tb05410.x
Subject(s) - medicine , malignant disease , magnesium , dose , disease , calcium , weakness , surgery , gastroenterology , cancer , materials science , metallurgy
Twenty‐three cases of metastatic malignant disease in the elderly were investigated for possible hypercalcemia. Regular biweekly estimation revealed that 7 (about 30 per cent) of these patients had hypercalcemia with many severe symptoms. The commonest symptom was generalized weakness. Though care of the malignant disease usually is not possible, these terminal patients can be made much more comfortable by reducing the concentration of serum calcium. Low dosages of magnesium sulphate were used for this purpose, with excellent results. It is concluded that serial estimation of serum calcium concentration in cases of malignant disease, particularly when distant metastases are present, is a useful adjunct in management. Magnesium sulphate is a simple and effective agent for reducing the serum calcium level.