A Case of Milk Alkali Syndrome: The Forgotten Diagnosis of Generalized Weakness and Altered Consciousness

Authors

  • Md Sabbir Hossain Resident Phase B Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag.
  • Md Abul Kalam Azad Professor and Chairman, Internal Medicine Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University,Shahbag,Dhaka.
  • Mohammad Ferdous Ur Rahaman Professor ,Geriatric Medicine Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University,Shahbag,Dhaka
  • Kazi Ali Aftab Assistant Professor,Internal Medicine Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University,Shahbag,Dhaka
  • Imrul Basher Rahman Phase B Resident ,Internal Medicine Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University,Shahbag,Dhaka
  • Shirajum Monira Assistant professor, Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University,Shahbag,Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jom.v25i2.74387

Keywords:

Papillary thyroid carcinoma, Thyroidectomy, Calcium,, Altered Consciousness, generalized weakness, Metabolic alkalosis.

Abstract

This case reports outlines a 76-year-old male’s progression from papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis to the development of Calcium-Alkali Syndrome (CAS) following thyroidectomy. Initially presenting with thyroid mass, surgery was followed by generalized weakness and altered sensorium, investigations that revealed elevated calcium levels ,metabolic alkalosis and renal impairment . Diagnosis pointed to CAS, likely triggered by prescribed calcium and calcitriol post-surgery. Cessation of supplements and hydration resulted in resolution. While post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is anticipated, CAS poses challenges, especially with increasing calcium supplement use. This emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring of electrolyte imbalances, particularly in regions with limited follow-up practices. Clinicians should balance preventing hypocalcemia without risking hypercalcemia, stressing the importance of timely identification and tailored interventions to prevent CAS complications. This case underscores the significance of recognizing CAS as a potential postoperative complication, urging vigilant monitoring and tailored management in similar clinical settings.

J MEDICINE 2024; 25: 184-186

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
1
PDF
0

Downloads

Published

2024-07-16

How to Cite

Hossain , M. S., Azad, M. A. K., Rahaman, M. F. U. ., Aftab, K. A. ., Rahman, I. B. ., & Monira, S. . (2024). A Case of Milk Alkali Syndrome: The Forgotten Diagnosis of Generalized Weakness and Altered Consciousness. Journal of Medicine, 25(2), 184–186. https://doi.org/10.3329/jom.v25i2.74387

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Case Reports

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

    1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

    1. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

  1. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).