Consists of hypercalcemia, varying degrees of renal failure and metabolic alkalosis resulting from ingestion of large amounts of calcium and absorbable alkali.
Third most common cause of in-hospital hypercalcemia, after hyperparathyroidism and malignancies.
Was commonly seen in the past in men.
Now increasingly prevalent because of increased availability of over the counter calcium preparations and supplements being utilized by women.
With chronic ingestion of excessive alkaline calcium preparations and milk, metastatic calcifications, and rarely nephrocalcinosis may occur.
Initially described as an adverse effect of Sippy’s diet for peptic acid disease.
In the years following the use of SIPPY diet the incidence of this syndrome ranged from 2-18%.
A diagnosis of exclusion.
Common EKG changes in hypercalcemia include prolongation of the PR interval and shortening of the ST segment.