What electrolyte imbalance is indicated by an increase in PTH-like peptides?

An increase in PTH-like peptides indicates hypercalcemia. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. PTH increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing intestinal absorption of calcium (with the help of vitamin D), and mobilizing calcium from bone.

When there are PTH-like peptides, often produced by malignancies (a condition known as humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy), they mimic the effects of PTH, leading to elevated levels of calcium in the bloodstream. This process can result from various tumors that secrete peptide factors similar to PTH. Thus, the presence of these peptides typically correlates with increased serum calcium levels, confirming that hypercalcemia is the correct electrolyte imbalance indicated by an increase in PTH-like peptides.