Hypocalcemia in Elderly Population in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: As the medical facilities are improving, the life expectancy is increasing which has led to rapid rise in elderly population. The epidemiology of many diseases in elderly has been modified, including calcium imbalance. This study aims to know the prevalence of hypocalcemia in elderly population visiting a tertiary care center of Kathmandu.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center of Kathmandu from March to July 2020 after obtaining ethical clearance (Ref: 2003202007). Total 402 participants at or above 60 years of age groups visiting outpatient departments were included in the study by convenience sampling method excluding those under vitamin D and calcium supplements. Serum total calcium level was measured using standard routine method and corrected with albumin. The serum calcium value less than 8 mg/dl was considered as hypocalcemia in accordance with the reference range of our laboratory. Data analysis for calculation of frequency and proportion was done in Statistical Package of Social Sciences.

Results: The prevalence of hypocalcaemia in elderly was found to be 97 (24.1%). Out of 286 participants of age group 60-74 years, hypocalcemia was seen in 75 (26.2%) and among 116 participants of age group >74 years, 22 (19%) were hypocalcemic. Among 181 male participants, 44 (24.3%) had hypocalcemia and out of 221 female participants, 53 (24%) had hypocalcemia.

Conclusions: The finding of present study suggests that hypocalcemia is common among elderly which can be life threatening. Therefore, regular monitoring of serum calcium is recommended for this age group.