Which of the following is a common cause of hypercalcemia?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a common cause of hypercalcemia?

Hypercalcemia most commonly results from excess parathyroid hormone activity due to primary hyperparathyroidism. When the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, calcium is raised through several actions: bone resorption increases calcium released into the bloodstream, the kidneys reabsorb more calcium, and active vitamin D production rises to boost gut calcium absorption. This combination drives the calcium level upward, which is why overactivity of the parathyroids is the frequent cause. Osteoporosis involves weakened bones but does not by itself raise blood calcium. Immobilization can lead to some increased calcium release from bone, but it is less common as a cause of hypercalcemia and typically occurs with prolonged immobilization. Renal failure usually leads to low or normal calcium and secondary changes that promote hypocalcemia rather than hypercalcemia, making it a less typical cause of high calcium.

Hypercalcemia most commonly results from excess parathyroid hormone activity due to primary hyperparathyroidism. When the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, calcium is raised through several actions: bone resorption increases calcium released into the bloodstream, the kidneys reabsorb more calcium, and active vitamin D production rises to boost gut calcium absorption. This combination drives the calcium level upward, which is why overactivity of the parathyroids is the frequent cause.

Osteoporosis involves weakened bones but does not by itself raise blood calcium. Immobilization can lead to some increased calcium release from bone, but it is less common as a cause of hypercalcemia and typically occurs with prolonged immobilization. Renal failure usually leads to low or normal calcium and secondary changes that promote hypocalcemia rather than hypercalcemia, making it a less typical cause of high calcium.

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