STUDIES IN DUMPING SYNDROME .4. EFFECT OF CALCIUM THERAPY ON CALCIUM METABOLISM AND OSTEPENIA IN GASTRECTOMIZED PATIENTS

In a study of calcium metabolism in 8 patients with postgastrectomy symptoms, 7 had skeletal pains. The amount of pain was positively correlated with the degree of malnutrition, and the level of serum alkaline phosphatase with diarrhea and steatorrhea. Following treatment with oral calcium (150-550 gm.) for 2-6 months, all except 1 patient had gustatory and/or gastro-intestinal discomfort. Retention of oral47Ca was increased prior to treatment and normal after treatment. The amount of bone salt in the hands and feet was significantly lower in the 65-year-old postgastrectomy patients than in the 24-year-old controls and slightly lower than that in the 80-year-old controls. Treatment with oral calcium did not result in an increase in the amount of measurable bone salt. © 1969 Hoeber Medical Division • Harper & Row, Publishers, Incorporated.