hypocalcemia

noun

hy·​po·​cal·​ce·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˌkal-ˈsē-mē-ə How to pronounce hypocalcemia (audio)
: a deficiency of calcium in the blood
hypocalcemic adjective

Examples of hypocalcemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In severe cases, hypocalcemia can lead to depression, paresthesias (abnormal sensations), parkinsonism (slowed movements, muscle rigidity, and tremors), and seizures. Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Each year, the E.R. at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest city, received one or two cases of hypocalcemia caused by malnutrition, said Salisu Garba, a kindly health worker who hurried from bed to bed, ward to ward. Ismail Auwal Taiwo Aina, New York Times, 11 June 2024 For severe hypocalcemia, intravenous infusions may be necessary.¹¹ If hypoparathyroidism is causing low blood calcium, calcium/vitamin D supplements may be needed for life. Sandra Gordon, Health, 9 Feb. 2024 Other associated conditions are hypocalcemia (low blood calcium, which can cause numbness, tingling, and muscle cramping) and osteopenia, an overall loss of bone density and mass. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2023 David had persistent hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and frequent infections because of inadequate levels of T cells in his immune system. Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2014 Causes of newborn hypocalcemia can have their source in either the mother or the baby. Julia Michie Bruckner, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022 One of the main causes of death among hens, hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium levels, was most prevalent in aviaries. David Gelles, New York Times, 16 July 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypocalcemia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypocalcemia was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near hypocalcemia

Cite this Entry

“Hypocalcemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypocalcemia. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

hypocalcemia

noun
hy·​po·​cal·​ce·​mia
variants or chiefly British hypocalcaemia
: a deficiency of calcium in the blood
hypocalcemic adjective
or chiefly British hypocalcaemic

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