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Allergy & Immunology38 papers

Subacute milk alkali syndrome

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Subacute milk alkali syndrome (MAS) is a rare condition characterized by hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and renal impairment following excessive consumption of calcium-containing antacids, often milk-based, over days to weeks 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and confusion 1.
  • Laboratory Findings: Elevated serum calcium levels, metabolic alkalosis (elevated bicarbonate), and renal impairment (elevated creatinine) are key indicators 1.
  • Recommended Tests: Serum calcium, serum bicarbonate, complete blood count, renal function tests (creatinine, BUN) 1.
  • Management

  • Fluid Resuscitation: Intravenous hydration to correct dehydration and metabolic acidosis 1.
  • Calcium Chelation: Avoid further calcium intake; no specific chelation therapy is widely recommended 1.
  • Monitoring: Close monitoring of electrolytes, renal function, and clinical status 1.
  • Special Populations

  • No Specific Guidance: The provided abstracts do not offer specific management recommendations for pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or patients with comorbidities 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Initiate Intravenous Fluids for Hydration and Acidosis Correction (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Avoid Additional Calcium Intake to prevent further hypercalcemia (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Monitor Electrolytes and Renal Function Closely to guide treatment adjustments (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • References

    1 Demonte D, Pucci M, Salvagno GL, Lippi G. Can citrate plasma be used in exceptional circumstances for some clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests?. Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany) 2019. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Can citrate plasma be used in exceptional circumstances for some clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests?Demonte D, Pucci M, Salvagno GL, Lippi G Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany) (2019)

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