Electrolyte disorders related emergencies in children.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of electrolyte and water homeostasis in pediatric patients, focusing on some of the common serum electrolyte abnormalities encountered in clinical practice. Understanding pathophysiology, taking a detailed history, performing comprehensive physical examinations, and ordering basic laboratory investigations are essential for the timely proper management of these conditions. We will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for each electrolyte disorder. This article aims to enhance the clinical approach to pediatric patients with electrolyte imbalance-related emergencies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.Trial registration This manuscript does not include a clinical trial; instead, it provides an updated review of literature.

Characterization of a cohort of patients with hypercalcemia in a tertiary pediatric hospital. / Caracterización de una cohorte de pacientes con hipercalcemia en un centro pediátrico de tercer nivel.

Introduction. Hypercalcemia is infrequent in pediatrics, of diverse etiology, and with multiorgan morbidity. Objective. Describe the etiology, biochemistry, clinical, and treatment in pediatric patients with hypercalcemia. Population and methods. Retrospective and descriptive study of a cohort of patients with hypercalcemia between 2008 and 2022. They were classified into three groups (G): hypercalcemia of iatrogenic cause (G1), parathyroid hormone (PTH) independent (G2), or PTH-dependent (G3). Results. One hundred forty-seven patients were included; 57% were male, with a median age of 3.7 years, median calcemia of 11.8 mg/dl, and mean phosphatemia of 4.9 mg/dl. Symptoms were present in 29% of patients, and 28.6% required additional treatments to those of the first line. In G1, 76 patients (51.7%) were included; in G2, 58 (39.4%), and in G3, 13 (8.8%). Median calcemia was lower in G1 vs. G2 and G3 (11.6 mg/dl, 12.6 mg/dl, and 12.3 mg/dl), and mean phosphatemia was lower in G3 vs. G1 and G2 (3.7 mg/dl, 5.3 mg/dl, and 4.9 mg/dl). Most of the patients with hypercalcemia were asymptomatic and did not require additional treatments. The percentage of symptomatic patients and the percentage requiring additional treatment were lower in G1 than in the other two groups. Conclusions. Iatrogenesis was the most frequent cause, presenting lower calcemia, while PTH-dependent causes presented the lowest phosphatemia. PTH-independent causes represented a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to lacking a characteristic biochemical profile.

Introducción. La hipercalcemia es infrecuente en pediatría, de etiología diversa y con morbilidad multiorgánica. Objetivo. Describir etiología, bioquímica, clínica y tratamiento en pacientes pediátricos con hipercalcemia. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de una cohorte de pacientes con hipercalcemia entre 2008 y 2022. Se clasificaron en tres grupos (G): hipercalcemia de causa iatrogénica (G1), paratohormona (PTH) independiente (G2) o PTH dependiente (G3). Resultados. Se incluyeron 147 pacientes; el 57 % eran varones, edad mediana de 3,7 años, calcemia mediana 11,8 mg/dl y fosfatemia media 4,9 mg/dl. El 29,9 % de los pacientes fueron sintomáticos y el 28,6 % requirió tratamientos adicionales a los de la primera línea. En G1 se incluyeron 76 pacientes (51,7 %); en G2, 58 (39,4 %), y en G3, 13 (8,8 %). La calcemia mediana fue menor en G1 vs. G2 y G3 (11,6 mg/dl, 12,6 mg/dl y 12,3 mg/dl). La fosfatemia media fue menor en G3 vs. G1 y G2 (3,7 mg/dl, 5,3 mg/dl y 4,9 mg/dl). La mayoría de los pacientes con hipercalcemia fueron asintomáticos sin requerimientos de tratamientos adicionales. El porcentaje de pacientes sintomáticos y el de requerimiento de tratamientos adicionales fue menor en G1 que en los otros dos grupos. Conclusiones. La iatrogenia fue la causa más frecuente, y se presentó con calcemias más bajas; mientras que las causas PTH dependientes presentaron las fosfatemias más bajas. Las causas PTH independientes representaron un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico por la falta de un perfil bioquímico característico.

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia in an infant: diagnosis and management quandaries.

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is typically a benign condition characterized by elevated serum calcium, low urinary calcium excretion, and non-suppressed circulating levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), usually requiring no intervention. FHH is inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner. Three subtypes are described, representing variants in genes with critical roles in extracellular calcium-sensing. FHH1, due to heterozygous inactivating variants in the calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR), accounts for the majority of cases. FHH2, due to variants in GNA11, encoding the α-subunit of the downstream signaling protein, G11, is the rarest form of FHH. FHH3, resulting from variants in AP2S1, may present with a more pronounced phenotype than FHH1 or FHH2. We describe herein a newborn girl presenting with in utero femoral fractures, hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and elevated circulating PTH. She was diagnosed with mild hyperparathyroidism and provided supplemental phosphate upon hospital discharge. However, serum calcium and PTH remained elevated at 5 mo of age. The combination of low-calcium formula and cinacalcet improved the biochemical profile. No pathogenic variants in the coding region of CASR were identified; subsequent whole exome sequencing revealed a G- > T transition at c.44 (p.R15L) in AP2S1. Family studies identified this variant in the father and an affected brother. The mother was unexpectedly found to be hypocalcemic and was diagnosed with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. This case demonstrates successful treatment of FHH3 using a low-calcium formula to limit dietary calcium availability and cinacalcet to modify PTH levels.

An infant girl with a history of an in utero femoral fracture and a maternal history of hypoparathyroidism presented with persistent hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Despite receiving supplemental phosphorus upon hospital discharge, her serum calcium and PTH levels remained elevated at 4 mo of age, and she was diagnosed with FHH type 3. Family studies also identified the presence of this variant in her father and an affected brother. After a trial with bisphosphonate failed to decrease calcium levels, she was treated with a combination of low-calcium formula and cinacalcet, which improved her biochemical profile. The patient remained on a stable clinical course on this regimen until she was weaned off cinacalcet at the age of 4 yr.

Hypercalcemia Associated with Pregnancy and Lactation.

Hypercalcemia during pregnancy is a risk for adverse maternal and fetal consequences. Although primary hyperparathyroidism is by far the most common etiology of hypercalcemia in pregnancy, an array of other etiologies of hypercalcemia associated with pregnancy and lactation have been described. Parathyroidectomy continues to be the preferred treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. Medical management options are limited.

Calcium Disorders.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of calcium physiology, clinical presentation with physical examination findings, laboratory assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia for the primary care provider.

ABCD syndrome, an uncommon cause of hypercalcemia in pediatrics. / Síndrome ABCD, una causa infrecuente de hipercalcemia en pediatría.

ABCD syndrome (ABnormal Calcium, Calcinosis, and Creatinine in Down syndrome) is characterized by an association of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and impaired kidney function in patients with Down syndrome. Only 7 cases have been published worldwide, although it is believed to be underdiagnosed. This report describes 2 new patients with ABCD syndrome and compares them with the cases reported to date. Although it is a rare cause of pediatric hypercalcemia, it should be considered in children with Down syndrome once other more common etiologies have been ruled out. Once this diagnosis is confirmed, the recommended treatment is to reduce dietary calcium intake and work with an interdisciplinary team to maintain an adequate calorie and protein intake.

El síndrome ABCD (por sus siglas en inglés, ABnormal Calcium, Calcinosis and Creatinine in Down syndrome) se caracteriza por la asociación de hipercalcemia, hipercalciuria, nefrocalcinosis y alteración de la función renal en pacientes con síndrome de Down. Existen solo 7 casos previamente publicados en el mundo, aunque se cree que está subdiagnosticado. En este reporte, presentamos 2 nuevos pacientes con este síndrome y realizamos una comparación con los casos informados hasta el momento. Si bien es una causa rara de hipercalcemia pediátrica, debe considerarse en niños con síndrome de Down una vez descartadas otras etiologías más frecuentes. Al confirmarse este diagnóstico, el tratamiento recomendado es la reducción de calcio en la dieta, trabajando de manera interdisciplinaria para mantener un aporte calórico proteico adecuado.

Hypercalcemia of malignancy: Cancer treatment can be a cause as well.

While the incidence of hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) is on the decline, it still occurs in up to 30% of patients with cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related hypercalcemia is becoming increasingly recognized. We describe a case of cemiplimab-induced hypercalcemia in a patient with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the earlobe and discuss a management algorithm for HCM. Timely diagnosis and management of HCM is critical for optimal care and the prevention of complications.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Part One: Evaluation.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a disorder characterized by the autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) that leads to hypercalcemia, multiple clinical sequelae, and heterogenous presentation. Whether PHPT is caused by a single benign adenoma (85%), multiglandular disease (15%), or parathyroid carcinoma (1%), surgery is the definitive treatment.

Hypercalcemia in Cancer: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Strategies.

Calcium plays central roles in numerous biological processes, thereby, its levels in the blood are under strict control to maintain homeostatic balance and enable the proper functioning of living organisms. The regulatory mechanisms ensuring this balance can be affected by pathologies such as cancer, and as a result, hyper- or hypocalcemia can occur. These states, characterized by elevated or decreased calcium blood levels, respectively, have a significant effect on general homeostasis. This article focuses on a particular form of calcium metabolism disorder, which is hypercalcemia in neoplasms. It also constitutes a summary of the current knowledge regarding the diagnosis of hypercalcemia and its management. Hypercalcemia of malignancy is estimated to affect over 40% of cancer patients and can be associated with both solid and blood cancers. Elevated calcium levels can be an indicator of developing cancer. The main mechanism of hypercalcemia development in tumors appears to be excessive production of parathyroid hormone-related peptides. Among the known treatment methods, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, steroids, and denosumab should be mentioned, but ongoing research promotes progress in pharmacotherapy. Given the rising global cancer prevalence, the problem of hypercalcemia is of high importance and requires attention.

Immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy in advanced small cell carcinoma of the ovary of hypercalcemic type: A case of overall survival lasting for over 5 years.

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare but highly aggressive ovarian malignant neoplasm lacking a unified clinical management process. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have an extremely poor prognosis with an overall probability of survival less than 10 %. Here, we describe the case of a patient with advanced SCCOHT achieved a survival of over 5 years after receiving multiple cycles of immunotherapy combined with anti-angiogenic therapy or CDK4/6 inhibitors. At the same time, we also summarized the case reports and clinical trials of immunotherapy in SCCOHT.

[Hypercalcaemia: intensive care or general ward]. / Die Hyperkalzämie ­ Intensivmedizin oder Normalstation.

Hypercalcaemia is a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance, which not only occurs in the context of an endocrinological disease but is also frequently associated with a tumour. Its severity is determined by the level of deviation from normal, acuity of occurrence, and severity of the symptoms. These are unspecific, can affect any organ system and ultimately result in a life-threatening hypercalcaemic crisis characterised by cardiac arrhythmia, metabolic acidosis, exsiccosis, fever, psychotic states and, ultimately, coma. Endocrinological disorders, drugs such as vitamin D3, vitamin A, checkpoint inhibitors, but also malignancies can be causative for the development of hypercalcaemia. Up to 30% of tumour patients are affected by hypercalcaemia. It is associated with a poor prognosis and a high tumour burden. Malignant hypercalcaemia is mainly caused by PTHrP (parathormone-related peptide), which is secreted by the tumour cells. In oncological patients, serum calcium (ionised calcium and non-ionised calcium) should be evaluated regularly. As the level of serum calcium depends on the albumin concentration, the latter should also be evaluated. Treatment consists of increasing the intravasal volume, increasing calcium excretion and inhibiting calcium reabsorption.

Ionized hypercalcemia can resolve with nutritional modification in cats with idiopathic hypercalcemia or chronic kidney disease.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Cats with ionized hypercalcemia that were fed diets with either more than 200 mg calcium per 100 kilocalories (kcal), a calcium:phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio greater than 1.4:1 or both, based on diet history, were included in this case series. Ionized hypercalcemia was documented at least twice in all cats before enrollment. Cats were referred for evaluation of ionized hypercalcemia (n = 5) or were incidentally found to have ionized hypercalcemia (n = 5). After medical workups, cats were diagnosed with either idiopathic hypercalcemia (IHC; n = 7) or chronic kidney disease (n = 3). Cats receiving medications to treat IHC (eg, alendronate, corticosteroids) were excluded. Nutritional recommendations were made to transition the cats to diets with less thn 200 mg calcium per 100 kcal and a Ca:P ratio less than 1.4:1. Ionized calcium (iCa) concentrations were rechecked in all cats, with a median recheck time of 9 weeks (range 3-20). Of the 10 cats, nine (90%) had a decrease in iCa. Of the 10 cats, six (60%) became normocalcemic after the diet change, three (30%) had a partial response and one (10%) did not respond. Of the four cats that did not achieve normocalcemia with a change in diet, two (50%) received chia seeds (1-2 g per day), and at the next recheck, both cats' iCa concentrations had normalized. Three cats had a long-term follow-up. Ionized normocalcemia was maintained for at least two consecutive follow-up visits over a median follow-up period of 33 weeks (range 12-34). RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Dietary calcium concentrations and the dietary Ca:P ratio appear to be important variables in considering nutritional approaches for hypercalcemic cats.

Hypercalcemic Crisis Due to Parathyroid Adenoma Improved by Continuous Hemodialysis with a Common Calcium Concentration Dialysate: Discussion of Therapeutic Management.

A hypercalcemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyroidism is a life-threatening condition. We herein report a 71-years-old man with hypercalcemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyroidism with parathyroid adenoma. Generally, hemodialysis or continuous hemodiafiltration using calcium-free or low-calcium dialysate is performed early for hypercalcemic crisis. In this case, continuous hemodialysis with a common calcium concentration dialysate improved the hypercalcemic crisis, and parathyroidectomy was performed. The patient recovered sufficiently. Prediction of hypercalcemia crisis, appropriate introduction and methods of blood purification therapy, and timing decisions for parathyroidectomy are required for therapeutic management of hypercalcemic crisis with parathyroid adenoma.

[Diagnosis and management of primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy: A systematic review and a longitudinal case study]. / Diagnostic et prise en charge d'hyperparathyroïdie primaire pendant la grossesse : revue de la littérature autour d'un cas.

OBJECTIVE: There is no specific recommendation for management in pregnant women: the aim of this review, based on a clinical case study, is to clarify its development, complications, risk factor and treatment. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed by consulting the Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct databases. RESULTS: Primary hyperparathyroidism is defined as excessive production of parathyroid hormone resulting in hypercalcemia. The prevalence of primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy is not known. Indeed, the symptomatology, related to hypercalcemia, is not very specific and easily confused with the clinical manifestations of pregnancy. The physiological changes specific to the pregnant state frequently lead to a slight hypocalcemia which may complicate the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism results from a parathyroid adenoma in the majority of cases and is detected by ultrasound during pregnancy. Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy causes significant risks to both mother and fetus. The maternal complication rate is 14-67%, however, the most serious complication is hypercalcemic crisis, which requires increased surveillance in the postpartum period. Obstetrical complications are also induced by primary hyperparathyroidism, such as acute polyhydramnios, or intrauterine growth retardation. The fetal complication rate can reach 45-80% of cases with neonatal hypocalcemia as the main complication. If medical treatment is based on hyperhydration, only surgical treatment is curative. CONCLUSION: Surgery should be proposed to symptomatic patients or those with high blood calcium levels, discussed in interdisciplinary committee and should be organized ideally in the second trimester to avoid maternal and fetal complications.

Risk analysis of fluctuating hypercalcemia after leukapheresis in cellular therapy.

Optimized management of citrate-induced hypocalcemia is required to provide safe leukapheresis. We prospectively analyzed subjects who underwent leukapheresis for cytotherapy, and evaluated serum ionized (iCa) concentrations before, at the end of, and 1 h after leukapheresis. During leukapheresis, calcium gluconate solution was continuously supplemented intravenously with hourly measurement of iCa. 76 patients including 49 lymphapheresis for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and 27 stem cell collections were enrolled. Median processing blood volume was 10 L (range, 6-15 L). Fluctuating hypercalcemia, in which the iCa concentration rose above its upper limit 1 h after leukapheresis, was observed in 58 subjects (76.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that higher ratios of processing blood volume to body weight, more rapid calcium supplementation, and lower iCa concentration at the end of leukapheresis significantly increased elevation of serum iCa concentration by 1 h after leukapheresis. Based on multivariate analyses, we developed a formula and a diagram that accurately estimates serum iCa concentration 1 h post-leukapheresis. This suggests optimal targets for iCa concentration and calcium supplementation rates. In cases with high ratios of processing blood volume to body weight, slowing the rate of blood processing, rather than increasing calcium supplementation should safely alleviate hypocalcemia during leukapheresis without inducing hypercalcemia thereafter.

Treatment of hypercalcaemia of malignancy in adults.

Hypercalcaemia of malignancy (HCM) is a common metabolic complication of advanced malignancies with a prevalence varying from 2-30%, depending on cancer type and disease stage. HCM is associated with impaired quality of life, increased risk of hospitalisation and limited survival. Evidence-based guidelines for management of HCM have been lacking to date, despite its prevalence and detrimental impact. This concise guidance highlights key recommendations from the recent Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines on Treatment of Hypercalcaemia of Malignancy in Adults, published in December 2022. A systematic review and meta-analysis was commissioned to support the guideline development process. Key suggestions include the use of denosumab in preference to intravenous bisphosphonates as first-line treatment for HCM and the use of denosumab in cases of recurrent or refractory HCM in patients previously treated with intravenous bisphosphonates. The guideline also identifies priority areas for future research.

Pancreatitis aguda en el escenario de hipercalcemia por hiperparatiroidismo primario / Acute pancreatitis in the setting of hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism

Introducción: describir el caso de un paciente con pancreatitis aguda secundaria a hipercalcemia por hiperparatiroidismo prImario. Esta es una causa poco frecuente de pancreatitis, asociada a morbimortalidad significativa en caso de no ser diagnosticada oportunamente Caso clínico: un hombre de 44 años, con antecedente de pancreatitis de presunto origen biliar que había requerido previamente colecistectomía, consultó por dolor abdominal y náuseas. Los estudios complementarios fueron compatibles con un nuevo episodio de pancreatitis aguda. Presentaba hipercalcemia y hormona paratiroidea (PTH) elevada, configurando hiperparatiroidismo primario. La gammagrafía informó hallazgos compatibles con adenoma paratiroideo. Se inició tratamiento con reanimación hídrica y analgesia con adecuada disminución de calcio sérico y resolución de dolor abdominal. Después de la paratiroidectomía se logró normalizar los niveles de calcio y PTH. Discusión: la pancreatitis aguda es una condición potencialmente fatal, por lo que la sospecha de causas poco frecuentes como la hipercalcemia debe tenerse en cuenta. El tratamiento de la hipercalcemia por adenoma paratiroideo se basa en reanimación hídrica adecuada y manejo quirúrgico del adenoma, con el fin de evitar recurrencia de pancreatitis y mortalidad. (AU)

Introduction: we describe the case of a patient with acute pancreatitis secondary to hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism. This is a rare cause of pancreatitis associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed in time. Clinical case: a 44-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis of presumed biliary origin, which had previously required cholecystectomy, consulted for abdominal pain and nausea. The laboratory findings were compatible with a new episode of acute pancreatitis. He presented hypercalcemia and an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), configuring primary hyperparathyroidism. Scintigraphy was performed, yielding findings compatible with parathyroid adenoma. Treatment with fluid resuscitation and analgesia was started, resulting in an adequate decrease in serum calcium and resolution of abdominal pain. After parathyroidectomy, calcium and PTH levels were normalized. Discussion: acute pancreatitis is a potentially fatal condition; therefore the suspicion of rare causes, such as hypercalcemia, should be considered. The treatment of hypercalcemia due to parathyroid adenoma is based on adequate fluid resuscitation and surgical management of the adenoma, to avoid recurrence of pancreatitis and death. (AU)