Document Detail


Bisphosphonate-induced hypocalcemia: report of 3 cases and review of literature.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  16524863     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: To report 3 cases of bisphosphonate-induced hypocalcemia and review the relevant literature. METHODS: We present the clinical and laboratory findings in 3 cases of bisphosphonate-induced hypocalcemia, and discuss the pathophysiologic mechanisms and the pertinent literature. RESULTS: In our first patient (case 1), symptomatic hypocalcemia developed after intravenous administration of pamidronate for management of multiple myeloma. He had vitamin D insufficiency and impaired renal function at the time of pamidronate therapy. Our second patient (case 2) presented with symptomatic hypocalcemia 12 weeks after initiation of alendronate therapy for osteoporosis. Her serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was low (3 ng/mL), attributable to a combination of poor vitamin D intake, limited exposure to sunlight, use of phenytoin, and previous intestinal resections. In our third patient (case 3), hypocalcemia developed on 2 different occasions, each episode occurring after intravenous administration of pamidronate for hypercalcemia of malignancy. All 3 patients had underlying conditions that impaired the homeostatic response to bisphosphonates and contributed to the severe hypocalcemia. Review of published reports on symptomatic bisphosphonate-induced hypocalcemia disclosed that hypocalcemia develops in patients with unrecognized hypoparathyroidism, impaired renal function, or vitamin D deficiency. Overall, the rate of the development of hypocalcemia was related to the potency of the bisphosphonate administered. CONCLUSION: The increasing use of bisphosphonates and the introduction of more potent agents impose a considerable risk for bisphosphonate-induced hypocalcemia in a substantial number of patients. Greater awareness of this complication, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and proper assessment of patients in whom bisphosphonate therapy is contemplated should reduce the frequency of occurrence of this potentially life-threatening complication.
Authors:
Naim M Maalouf; Howard J Heller; Clarita V Odvina; Peter J Kim; Khashayar Sakhaee
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Case Reports; Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists     Volume:  12     ISSN:  1530-891X     ISO Abbreviation:  Endocr Pract     Publication Date:    2006 Jan-Feb
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2006-03-09     Completed Date:  2006-05-26     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9607439     Medline TA:  Endocr Pract     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  48-53     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390-8885, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Aged
Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects*,  therapeutic use
Calcium Compounds / therapeutic use
Diphosphonates / adverse effects*,  therapeutic use
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Drug Administration Schedule
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hypocalcemia / chemically induced*,  drug therapy,  physiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Osteoporosis / drug therapy,  prevention & control
Risk Assessment
Severity of Illness Index
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Bone Density Conservation Agents; 0/Calcium Compounds; 0/Diphosphonates

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