title: Denosumab for treatment of immobilization-related hypercalcaemia in a patient with advanced renal failure.
abstract: We describe the case of a young adult with immobilization-related hypercalcaemia and advanced renal insufficiency. Because of the uncertain safety profile of bisphosphonates in such patients, only a low dose of pamidronate was administered twice. This did not result in a sufficient decrease in the serum calcium concentration nor was the decrease sustained. We decided to administer a single dose of denosumab, a monoclonal antibody against the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, a new antiresorptive agent registered for use in osteoporosis. This resulted in rapid and sustained decrease in the serum calcium concentration. Transient hypocalcaemia ensued with normalization after vitamin D supplementation. Furthermore, we summarize what is known about hypercalcaemia caused by immobilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Hypertension , University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: de Beus
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Hypertension , University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Walther H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Boer
keywords: denosumab; hypercalcaemia; immobilization; renal calcium excretion