Initial Calcium Derangements in Major Trauma and Outcomes

What is the incidence of calcium derangements upon emergency department arrival after major trauma, and are they associated with outcomes?This cohort study found that among 1270 participants arriving to 3 level I trauma centers, 22% were hypocalcemic and 5% were hypercalcemic. Mortality at 24 hours was 11.9% for hypocalcemia, 4.3% for eucalcemia, and 22.8% for hypercalcemia.These findings suggest that hypercalcemia was less common than hypocalcemia but was associated with worse mortality; additional research is needed to determine the underlying pathophysiology.

Corresponding Author: Steven G. Schauer, DO, MS, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Ft Sam Houston, 3698 Chambers Pass, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78324 (steven.g.schauer.mil@health.mil).

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