scholarly journals Palliative treatment of uncontrollable hypercalcemia due to parathyrotoxicosis: denosumab as rescue therapy

Author(s):  
Reiner Jumpertz von Schwartzenberg ◽  
Ulf Elbelt ◽  
Manfred Ventz ◽  
Knut Mai ◽  
Tina Kienitz ◽  
...  

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease leading to severe hypercalcemia due to hyperparathyroidism. Surgery is the primary treatment option. A more progressive form of the disease is characterized by parathyrotoxicosis, and subsequent hypercalcemia is the most common cause of death. We report a case presenting with severe hypercalcemia due to parathyrotoxicosis from parathyroid carcinoma treated for the first time using the monoclonal antibody denosumab as a rescue therapy and present long-term follow-up data. The 71-year-old patient presented with severe hypercalcemia due to metastatic parathyroid carcinoma. Despite undergoing treatment with bisphosphonates, cinacalcet hydrochloride, and forced diuresis, the patient`s condition deteriorated rapidly due to resistant hypercalcemia. Surgery performed because of spinal metastasis and forced diuresis lowered calcium levels, albeit they remained in the hypercalcemic range and significantly increased when forced diuresis was stopped. Considering a palliative situation to overcome hypercalcemia, we decided to administer denosumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand. After a single subcutaneous administration of 60 mg denosumab, calcium levels normalized within one day. Subsequent denosumab injections led to permanent control of serum calcium for more than 2 years despite rising parathyroid hormone levels and repeated surgeries. Together with recent cases in the literature supporting our observation, we believe that denosumab is relevant for future trials and represents an effective tool to control hypercalcemia in patients with advanced stages of parathyroid cancer. Learning points Severe hypercalcemia is the most common cause of death in patients with parathyroid carcinoma. The monoclonal antibody denosumab rapidly lowered severely elevated serum calcium levels due to parathyrotoxicosis. Denosumab was effective in the long-term treatment of hypercalcemia despite progression of parathyroid carcinoma.

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 3482
Author(s):  
Kuldeep Sharma ◽  
Sushrut Pradeep Tated ◽  
Ashish Ashokrao Hatkar

Background: Trauma is recognized as a serious public health problem. In fact, it is the leading cause of death and disability in the first four decades of life and is the third most common cause of death overall. Trauma may lead to short or long-term disability. Objective was to study the pattern of chest injuries with resultant underlying damage, in rural set up.Methods: The present study was carried out among 500 cases of age group 15 to 75 years, all religions and both sexes. All patients received in the Emergency Room (ER/Casualty) were immediately attended and history, primary survey and resuscitation were done simultaneously. X ray chest-erect position was taken and subsequent management either operative or non-operative was done according to clinic-radiological findings. After discharge, patients were followed on OPD basis till the time they return to the normal activity.Results: Majority of patients (31%) were from 55 to 65 years of age group and were male (64.2%). Vehicular accident was the commonest (56.8 %) cause of injury. Vehicular accidents were the most common cause of chest injuries. In vehicular accidents two-wheeler riders were the common victims (55.28%). Assault was 2nd most common mode of injury. Among those patients who sustained chest trauma had average VAS 6 (49.2%) followed by 4 (45%). Majority of patient were treated conservatively (93.6%).Conclusions: The most active age group and males were affected with commonly vehicular accidents. They mainly suffered chest injuries. 


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankur Mishra ◽  
David Newman

Context.Severe hypercalcemia is a life-threatening condition. Atypical parathyroid adenoma and parathyroid carcinomas are uncommon causes which can be difficult to differentiate.Objective.We report a case of a 36-year-old male with very high serum calcium due to a possible atypical parathyroid adenoma versus parathyroid carcinoma.Case Illustration.A serum calcium level of 23.2 mg/dl was noted on admission. He was initially treated with IV hydration, pamidronate, and salmon calcitonin to lower his calcium levels. He also underwent a surgical en bloc resection of parathyroid mass. Pathology showed a mixed picture consistent with possible atypical adenoma versus parathyroid carcinoma. However, due to the possible involvement of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, parathyroid carcinoma was more likely. Also after operation the patient developed hungry bones syndrome and his calcium was replaced vigorously. He continues to be on calcium, vitamin D, and calcitriol supplementation.Results.A review of the literature was conducted to identify previous studies pertaining to parathyroid adenomas and parathyroid cancer.Conclusion.We thereby conclude that hypercalcemia requires very careful monitoring especially after operation. Also it can be very difficult to distinguish between atypical parathyroid adenomas and parathyroid carcinomas as in our case and no clear cut guidelines yet exist to differentiate the two based on histology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narayan Prasad ◽  
Jithu Kurian ◽  
Vikas Agarwal ◽  
Dharmendra Bhadauria ◽  
Amit Gupta

Abstract Background and Aims Lupus nephritis (LN) poses a considerable impact on the morbidity and mortality of SLE patients. Long term comparative outcome data with cyclophosphamide (CYP) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) based regimen from the Indian subcontinent is sparse. We assessed the renal and patient survival of these patients for the types of induction CYP or MMF and the two maintenance therapies – MMF or Azathioprine. We determined the predictors of death and dialysis dependency in the study population. Method In this retrospective study, we analysed outcomes of 100 LN patients, total 67 (26 class III, 25 class IV, 6 class III+V, and 10 class IV+V)) treated with CYP (euro lupus-40 and NIH- Dharmendra Bhadauria 27), and 33 with MMF based regimen with the steroid between July 2008 to June 2018. The class distribution of the patients in the two groups was similar. The data were archived regarding demography, clinical, histopathological features, and the treatment given of all 100 biopsy-proven LN patients. Outcomes between two regimens CYP and MMF in terms of remission, dialysis dependency, and patient survival were compared. The renal survival and patient survival at the end of follow-up between two groups were also analysed. Results The clinical characteristics were similar in both groups, except the activity index was high in CYP patients (6.13 ±4.48 Vs. 4.61 ± 2.80); however, the chronicity index was similar. The overall remission was 70% at the end of induction. The CR, PR, and NR in the CYP group was 46.2%, 23.9 %, 29.9% respectively; however, in the MMF group was 57.6%, 12.1%, and 30.3%, respectively. More patients died in CYP (14.9%) than those in MMF (9.1 %) patients. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 10-years patient survival in the CYP induction was 89.5%, 86.2%, 86.2%,83.8%, 83.8% and 83.8% however in MMF was 93.9%, 93.9%, 89%, 89%, 89% and 89% respectively. The most common cause of death was sepsis 9/13(69.2%), followed by uremia. The high serum creatinine, low Hb, male, thrombocytopenia, microscopic haematuria, leukocyturia, nephrotic proteinuria, lack of remission in 12 months, dialysis, doubling of creatinine on follow-up were significant predictors of mortality. The 1-, 2- 3-, 4-, 5- and 10- years renal survival (event death-censored, but dialysis dependency) in CP group was 98.5%, 96.7%, 94.7%, 92.4%, 92.4% and 84 % respectively however in the MMF was 96.8 %, 96.8%, 91.9%, 91.9%, 91.9%, and 78.8% respectively. (Figure 1)At the end of the study, dialysis dependency in the MMF group and CYP group was 7.5% and 12.1 %, respectively (NS). In the maintenance therapy, 3/56(5.3%) had to double of creatinine in MMF, and 7/34 (20.5%) in the AZA group (p=0.03). Conclusion Long term outcomes in terms of patient and renal survival of LN patients treated with CP and MMF based induction is similar. Serum creatinine doubling was more with MMF than AZA based maintenance. The majority of death occurred during induction, and sepsis was the most common cause of death.


Author(s):  
Nikolaos Asonitis ◽  
Eva Kassi ◽  
Michalis Kokkinos ◽  
Ilias Giovanopoulos ◽  
Foteini Petychaki ◽  
...  

Summary Hypercalcemia of malignancy is the most common cause of hypercalcemia in hospitalized patients. It is associated with a poor prognosis, since it reflects an advanced cancer stage. Among all cancer in females, breast cancer is the most common malignancy, and it has the highest prevalence of hypercalcemia. Approximately 70% of patients with breast cancer have bone metastases and 10% of them will have hypercalcemia as a complication at some point in the disease. Herein, we report a 69-year-old female patient with metastatic breast cancer, who developed severe hypercalcemia in the course of her disease and was diagnosed with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM). Intense hydration along with corticoisteroids and antiresorptive medication (calcitonin, bisphosphonates and denosumab) were administered to the patient. Despite the above treatment, serum calcium levels remain elevated and calcimimetic cinacalcet was added. Upon discontinuation of cinacalcet, calcium levels were raised and returned back to the normal levels following re-initiation of the calcimimetic. Her calcium level restored to normal, and she was discharged with the following medical treatment: denosumab monthly, and cinacalcet at a titrated dose of 90 mg per day. The patient is followed as an outpatient and 11 months later, her calcium level remained within the normal range. Learning points: Hypercalcemia of malignancy is the most common cause of hypercalcemia in hospitalized patients. Breast cancer has the highest prevalence of hypercalcemia. The cornerstone of therapy remains the intense hydration and intravenous bisphosphonates (preferably zoledronic acid). In case of persistent hypercalcemia of malignancy, the administration of calcimimetic cinacalcet could be an additional effective therapeutic option.


Author(s):  
Carmina Teresa Fuss ◽  
Stephanie Burger-Stritt ◽  
Silke Horn ◽  
Ann-Cathrin Koschker ◽  
Kathrin Frey ◽  
...  

Summary Standard treatment of hypoparathyroidism consists of supplementation of calcium and vitamin D analogues, which does not fully restore calcium homeostasis. In some patients, hypoparathyroidism is refractory to standard treatment with persistent low serum calcium levels and associated clinical complications. Here, we report on three patients (58-year-old male, 52-year-old female, and 48-year-old female) suffering from severe treatment-refractory postsurgical hypoparathyroidism. Two patients had persistent hypocalcemia despite oral treatment with up to 4 µg calcitriol and up to 4 g calcium per day necessitating additional i.v. administration of calcium gluconate 2–3 times per week, whereas the third patient presented with high frequencies of hypocalcemic and treatment-associated hypercalcemic episodes. S.c. administration of rhPTH (1–34) twice daily (40 µg/day) or rhPTH (1–84) (100 µg/day) only temporarily increased serum calcium levels but did not lead to long-term stabilization. In all three cases, treatment with rhPTH (1–34) as continuous s.c. infusion via insulin pump was initiated. Normalization of serum calcium and serum phosphate levels was observed within 1 week at daily 1–34 parathyroid hormone doses of 15 µg to 29.4 µg. Oral vitamin D and calcium treatment could be stopped or reduced and regular i.v. calcium administration was no more necessary. Ongoing efficacy of this treatment has been documented for up to 7 years so far. Therefore, we conclude that hypoparathyroidism that is refractory to both conventional treatment and s.c. parathyroid hormone (single or twice daily) may be successfully treated with continuous parathyroid hormone administration via insulin pump. Learning points: Standard treatment of hypoparathyroidism still consists of administration of calcium and active vitamin D. Very few patients with hypoparathyroidism also do not respond sufficiently to standard treatment or administration of s.c. parathyroid hormone once or twice daily. In those cases, continuous s.c. administration of parathyroid hormone via insulin pump may represent a successful treatment alternative.


2014 ◽  
Vol 122 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Jumpertz-von Schwartzenberg ◽  
U Elbelt ◽  
M Ventz ◽  
C Strasburger ◽  
J Spranger

1965 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. K. Dyster-Aas ◽  
C. E. T. Krakau

ABSTRACT In addition to the previously described permeability disturbance in the blood aqueous barrier of the eye, measured as an increase of the aqueous flare, a series of transitory systemic effects have been recorded following the subcutaneous injection of synthetic α-MSH: marked increase of the free fatty acids in plasma, decrease in the serum calcium level, decrease in the blood pressure, increase in the skin temperature, increased frequency and diminished amplitude of respiration, presence of slow waves in the EEG. There is a correlation between the magnitude of the aqueous flare increase and the increase of free fatty acids in plasma and also between the aqueous flare and the minimum serum calcium level.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (45) ◽  
pp. 4763-4770
Author(s):  
Angel Cespedes ◽  
Mario Villa ◽  
Irene Benito-Cuesta ◽  
Maria J. Perez-Alvarez ◽  
Lara Ordoñez ◽  
...  

: Stroke is an important cause of death and disability, and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In humans, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. The damage occurs due to the lack of nutrients and oxygen contributed by the blood flow. : The present review aims to analyze to what extent the lack of each of the elements of the system leads to damage and which mechanisms are unaffected by this deficiency. We believe that the specific analysis of the effect of lack of each component could lead to the emergence of new therapeutic targets for this important brain pathology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (7) ◽  
pp. e2.49-e2
Author(s):  
Susie Gage

AimThe National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA)1 identified heparin as a major cause of adverse events associated with adverse incidents, including some fatalities. By ensuring good communication, this should be associated with risk reduction.1 The aim of this study was to ensure there is clear anticoagulation communication on discharge, from the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) electronic prescribing system (Philips), to the paediatric cardiac high dependency unit and paediatric cardiac ward. To investigate whether the heparin regimen complies with the hospital’s anticoagulant guidelines and if there is any deviation; that this is clearly documented. To find out if there is an indication documented for the heparin regimen chosen and if there is a clear long term plan documented for the patient, after heparin cessation.MethodsA report was generated for all patients who were prescribed a heparin infusion on PICU, between 1st January 2018 and 30th June 2018, from the Philips system. All discharge summaries from the PICU Philips system were reviewed. Only paediatric cardiac patients were included that had a heparin infusion prescribed on discharge, all other discharge summaries were excluded from the study. Each discharge summary was reviewed in the anticoagulant section; for the heparin regimen chosen, whether it complies with the hospital’s anticoagulant guidelines and if there was any deviation whether this was documented. The indication documented of which heparin regimen was chosen and whether a clear long term plan was documented after heparin cessation; for example if the patient is to be transferred onto aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin or enoxaparin.Results82 discharge summaries were reviewed over the 6 month period between 1st January 2018 and 30th June 2018; 16 were excluded as were not paediatric cardiac, leaving 66 paediatric cardiac discharge summaries that were reviewed. 45 out of 66 (68%) complied with the hospital’s heparin anticoagulation guidelines. Of the 32% that deviated from the protocol; only 33% (7 out of 21) had a reason documented. Only 50% (33) of the summaries reviewed had an indication for anticoagulation noted on the discharge summary and 91% of discharge summaries had a long term anticoagulant plan documented.ConclusionThe electronic prescribing system can help to ensure a clear anticoagulation communication as shown by 91% of the anticoagulation long term plan being clearly documented; making it a more seamless patient transfer. On the Philips PICU electronic prescribing system there is an anticoagulant section on the discharge summary that has 3 boxes that need to be completed; heparin regimen, indication and anticoagulation long term plan. However, despite these boxes; deviations from the anticoagulant protocol were poorly documented as highlighted by only 33% having the reason highlighted in the discharge summary, only 50% of the indications were documented. Despite having prompts for this information on the discharge summary, the medical staffs needs to be aware to complete this information, in order to reduce potential medication errors and risk.ReferenceThe National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). Actions that make anticoagulant therapy safer. NPSA; March 2007.


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