FREQUENCY OF HYPOCALCEMIA AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the frequency of hypocalcemia among patients with chronic kidney disease and secondary objective was to determine the association between hypocalcemia and different variables

Study Design and Setting: The study was descriptive, cross-sectional, carried out in the Department of Internal Medicine, Central Park Teaching Hospital, Lahore  during May 2025 to September 2025.

Methodology: Non-probability consecutive sampling was applied to include 109 patients aged 25-60 years with CKD of at least a year duration of treatment. Patients with known peripheral artery disease, lower limb amputation, patients with known hypertension or taking antihypertensive medications were not eligible to participate in the study. The operationally defined hypocalcemia was measured based on serum calcium levels. The analysis of data was done with SPSS version 27. Age, gender, duration of disease, stage of chronic kidney disease, body mass index, diabetes, and smoking status were stratified to consider the possible effect modifiers. Stratification was done and Chi-square test taken where p 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: Among 109 patients, 59 (54.1%) were males and 50 (45.9%) females, with a mean age of 45.06±9.61 years. Hypocalcemia was observed in 21 (19.3%) patients. The mean serum calcium level was 8.36±1.06 mg/dl.

Conclusion: Hypocalcemia is typical among the CKD patients especially in the end stages of the condition. To enhance patient outcomes and reduce complications, it is crucial to detect and monitor calcium levels early.