Frequency of Hypercalcemia Among Lung Cancer Patients at Fatima Jinnah Institute of Chest Diseases, Quetta

Abstract

Background: Hypercalcemia is a significant paraneoplastic complication affecting up to 30% of patients with malignancies, often leading to neurocognitive symptoms and renal impairment. Lung cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies globally, is frequently associated with hypercalcemia through mechanisms such as parathyroid hormone-related protein secretion. However, regional data on its prevalence, particularly in Pakistani populations, remain limited. Objective: To determine the frequency of hypercalcemia in lung cancer patients at Fatima Jinnah Institute of Chest Diseases, Quetta. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2024 to April 2024, enrolling 264 lung cancer patients aged 30–60 years. Patients undergoing radiotherapy or with chronic renal failure were excluded. Serum calcium levels were measured via colorimetric method. Associations between hypercalcemia and demographic or clinical factors were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: The mean patient age was 50.41±6.39 years, with 64.39% males. Hypercalcemia was observed in 20 patients (7.58%). No statistically significant associations were found between hypercalcemia and age, gender, BMI, smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, residence, or education. Conclusion: Hypercalcemia affects a minority of lung cancer patients in Quetta, highlighting the need for routine biochemical monitoring to facilitate early detection and management, thereby reducing associated morbidity.