Final answer:
Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by an elevated level of calcium in the bloodstream, causing a range of symptoms due to nervous system underactivity. The causes of hypercalcemia can be recalled using the mnemonic CHIMPANZEES, which includes hyperparathyroidism, multiple myeloma, and conditions such as Addison's disease and sarcoidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acronym CHIMPANZEES is a mnemonic device used to remember the various causes of hypercalcemia, which is a condition where there is an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. This condition can cause lethargy, sluggish reflexes, constipation, loss of appetite, confusion, and in severe cases, coma, due to the underactivity of the nervous system. Let's break down the acronym to understand the causes of hypercalcemia:
- C: HyperCalcemia - Abnormally increased blood levels of calcium can result from different pathologies.
- H: Hyperparathyroidism - This results from overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to excessive calcium reabsorption from the bone, bone destruction, and kidney stones.
- I: Iatrogenic - Conditions induced by medical intervention or treatment, such as excessive vitamin D intake.
- M: Multiple Myeloma - A type of cancer that can cause hypercalcemia or lead to chronic renal failure, further exacerbating hypercalcemia.
- P: Paraneoplastic syndromes - Cancers that induce hypercalcemia due to hormone secretion not typically associated with that particular cancer.
- A: Addison's disease - A disorder caused by the hyposecretion of corticosteroids, which can impact calcium levels.
- N: Neoplasms - Tumors, both benign and malignant, can cause increased calcium release into the bloodstream.
- Z: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome - A condition involving a gastrin-secreting tumor that can lead to alterations in calcium metabolism.
- E: Excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D - This could lead to hypercalcemia due to increased calcium absorption.
- E: Endocrine disorders - Conditions such as acromegaly or other hormonal imbalances affecting calcium levels.
- S: Sarcoidosis - Can cause hypercalcemia through overproduction of vitamin D by activated immune cells.