Hypercalcemia and Peptic Ulcer Disease–Related Milk-Alkali Syndrome

Abstract

Milk-alkali syndrome was considered “extinct” by 1985 because of the advent of non-alkaline ulcer medications (ie, histamine-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors). At that time, it was thought to cause<1% of hypercalcemia, which occurred when one ingested a sufficient quantity of calcium and alkali together. This case emphasizes the importance of considering this syndrome in patients who self-medicate for control of symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux and peptic ulcer disease and for those using calcium supplementation for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.