“Stones, Bones, Groans, moans, thrones and psychiatric overtones”
The six key organ systems affected by hypercalcemia: “Stones, Bones, Groans (abd. groans), Moans, Thrones, and Psychiatric Overtones!”
Signs and symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism or hypercalcemia. They are summarized by “stones, bones, abdominal groans, thrones and psychiatric overtones”.
“Stones” refers to kidney stones and the renal system. Kidney stones are formed from calcium. Nephrocalcinosis, and diabetes insipidus (polyuria and polydipsia). These can ultimately lead to renal failure.
“Bones” refers to bone-related complications. PTH’s job is to raise serum calcium concentration. The bone is the biggest calcium source in the body. PTH increases bone breakdown to release calcium.The classic bone disease in hyperparathyroidism is osteitis fibrosa cystica, which results in pain and sometimes pathological fractures. Other bone diseases associated with hyperparathyroidism are osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and arthritis.
“Groans” refers to gastrointestinal symptoms of constipation, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Hypercalcemia can lead to peptic ulcers and acute pancreatitis. The peptic ulcers can be an effect of increased gastric acid secretion by hypercalcemia
“Moans” – malaise, fatigue, lethargy.
“Thrones” refers to polyuria, polydipsia, and constipation. Throne refers to the porcelain toilet you sit on as a throne.
“Psychiatric overtones” refers to effects on the CNS. Symptoms include confusion, lethargy, fatigue, depression, memory loss, psychosis, ataxia, delirium, and coma.
“Stones, Bones, Groans, Moans, Thrones, and Psychiatric Overtones!”