[Hypercalcemia due to immobilization in critically ill children: calcitnonin treatment].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the response to calcitonin treatment in critically ill children with hypercalcemia due to immobilization.


METHODS
Four children aged 3-14 years were diagnosed with hypercalcemia due to immobilization. Detected levels of calcemia and ionic calcium ranged from 12.2-13.4 mg/dl and 1.44-2.2 mmol/l respectively. None of the children responded to rehydration or frusemide. Treatment was with subcutaneous and/or intranasal calcitonin at a dose of 6-20 IU /kg/day.


RESULTS
After calcitonin administration, serum calcium decreased progressively until normal calcemia levels were reached between days 4 and 20 of treatment (8.6-10.5 mg/dl). No treatment-related adverse effects or alterations in phosphorus levels or alkaline phosphatases were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcitonin might be an effective treatment for hypercalcemia due to immobilization in critically ill children.
Urán Moreno
M
M
Sección de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. Madrid.
Alonso Riofrío
R
R
Moliner Robredo
C
C
Pons Morales
S
S
López-Herce Cid
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002116:Calcitonin