0
Milk-alkali syndrome is an acquired condition in which there are high levels of calcium (hypercalcemia) and a shift in the body's acid/base balance towards alkaline (metabolic alkalosis).
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMilk-alkali syndrome is caused by excessive consumption of milk (which is high in calcium) and certain antacids, especially calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), over a long period of time.
Calcium deposits in the kidneys and in other tissues can occur in milk-alkali syndrome. Consumption of excessive amounts of vitamin D, which is usually added to milk bought at the supermarket, can worsen this condition.
In the past, milk-alkali syndrome was often a side effect of treating peptic ulcer disease with antacids containing calcium. It is rarely seen today, because newer, better medications are available for treating ulcers. A more common scenario today is when someone takes too much calcium carbonate in an attempt to prevent osteoporosis. This syndrome has been reported in persons who take as little as 2 grams of calcium per day.
SymptomsThe condition usually has no symptoms (asymptomatic). When symptoms do occur, they are often related to complications, such as kidney problems.
Symptoms include:
- Back, middle of the body, and loin pain (related to kidney stones)
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Other problems that can result from kidney failure
Calcium deposits within the tissue of the kidney (nephrocalcinosis) may be seen on:
- X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT scans)
- Ultrasound
Other tests used to make a diagnosis:
- Electrolyte levels
- Kidney function blood tests
- Blood gas
- Blood calciumlevel
Treatment involves reducing or eliminating milk and other forms of calcium such as in antacids. If severe kidney failure has occurred, the damage may be permanent.
Expectations (prognosis)This condition is often reversible if kidney function remains normal. Severe prolonged cases may lead to permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.
ComplicationsThe most common complications include:
- Calcium deposits in tissues (calcinosis)
- Kidney failure
- Kidney stones
Contact your health care provider if:
- You drink large amounts of milk and you often use antacids.
- You have any symptoms that might suggest kidney problems.
Milk-alkali syndrome is now very uncommon because nonantacid treatments for indigestion, gastric ulcers, and peptic ulcer disease have replaced most excessive antacid use.
If you do use antacids often, don't drink large amounts of milk, and tell your doctor about your digestive problems. If you are trying to prevent osteoporosis, do not take more than 1.5 grams of calcium per day.
ReferencesWysolmerski JJ, Insogna KL. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 266.
What else can I help you with?
What is syndactyly a symptom of?
Syndactyly is a characteristic of Apert syndrome, Poland syndrome, Jarcho-Levin syndrome, oral-facial-digital syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and Edwards syndrome
Which syndrome is the complete opposite of Lima syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome.
What other conditions could an infant with syndactyly have?
Syndactyly is a characteristic of Apert syndrome, Poland syndrome, Jarcho-Levin syndrome, oral-facial-digital syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and Edwards syndrome.
Is xxxy syndrome barr-shaver-carr syndrome?
XXXY Syndrome and Barr-Shaver-Carr Syndrome are the same.
What is the medical term meaning the result of prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol?
Cushing's Syndrome
What is a chromosomal disorder that could result from nondisjunction?
Disorders, such as Down's Syndrome, are caused by nondisjunction.
Is there such a syndrome as 9p syndrome?
yes there is.
Klinefelter syndrome is what?
what is kinefelter syndrome?
Is Angelman syndrome the same as Down syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder, as is Down syndrome. But they are not the same. Angelman Syndrome involves a deletion of Chromosome 15, whereas people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of Chromosome 21.
By what other names is fragile X syndrome known?
also known as Martin-Bell syndrome, Marker X syndrome, and FRAXA syndrome
What is all ports syndrome?
Alport Syndrome
Is Down syndrome the same as Cohen syndrome?
no
