Iatrogenic calcinosis cutis in 9-month-old baby boy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Calcinosis cutis is a rare condition, characterized by an accumulation of calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. There are several types of this condition, including dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, calciphylaxis, and iatrogenic calcinosis cutis. The type related to our case is iatrogenic calcinosis cutis, and one its possible causes is calcium intravenous infusion. Physicians should be aware of this condition when giving calcium infusion. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report the case of a 9-month-old Arabic - Saudi baby boy, who presented with abnormal movement for 1 day. Upon further investigation, his abnormal movement was found to be a manifestation of hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency. He was treated with intravenous calcium gluconate. Later, he had a treatment-related complication of intravenous calcium at the site of venipuncture causing swelling, which was initially soft but progressed to hard, over the left hand. Eventually, he was diagnosed with a case of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis due to intravenous calcium treatment. CONCLUSION: There are multiple differential diagnoses of calcinosis cutis, as it resembles many other conditions. Careful history-taking, physical examination, and other investigations, such as radiological investigations, will aid in reaching a more accurate diagnosis and, thus, early treatment and intervention. Frequently checking the intravenous line and diluting the intravenous calcium may help reduce the occurrence of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis.

Calcium gluconate infusion is not as effective as dopamine agonists in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of calcium gluconate and cabergoline therapy in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight hundred and forty-five women who underwent GnRH antagonist protocol and at high risk for developing OHSS were divided into two groups, those given cabergoline (n=435) or calcium gluconate (n=410). In cabergoline group, 0.5 mg of cabergoline was administered once daily p.o. starting on the day of ovulation trigger and continued until the following 8 days. In calcium gluconate group, intravenous calcium gluconate was administered daily for four days starting on the day of oocyte pickup (OPU). 10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution was dissolved in 200 ml of physiological saline and administered by intravenous route within 40 minutes. Infusion was started within the first 30 minutes following the OPU and continued on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days after OPU. RESULTS: Mild OHSS was developed in 367 (89%) patients receiving calcium gluconate infusion, while 251 patients (57%) in the cabergoline group developed mild OHSS. The frequency of mild OHSS in the calcium group was significantly higher than the cabergoline group (p<.001). Moderate OHSS was observed in 32 people (7.8%) in the calcium gluconate group, while it was observed in 184 people in the cabergoline group (42.3%). Calcium gluconate infusion significantly reduced the development of moderate OHSS compared to cabergoline therapy (p<.001). Severe OHSS developed in 11 patients (2.7%) in the calcium gluconate group, while severe OHSS did not develop in those given cabergoline (0%, p<.001). Clinical pregnancy, live birth and abortion rates were similar in the two groups. When logistic regression analysis was performed, a significant correlation was found between age, BMI, AMH, the number of antral follicle count, OHSS history, paracentesis, progesterone on the day of hCG, 2 PN zygotes, and HbA1c levels and the development of OHSS. No correlation was found between the use of metformin or cetrotide and the development of OHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium gluconate treatment is not effective in the prevention of OHSS.

Malignant prolongation of the QTc interval due to severe vitamin D deficiency: an unusual presentation.

Long QT syndrome with Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia. The corrected QT (QTc) prolongation >500 milliseconds (ms) has been associated with TdP. Hypocalcaemia due to severe vitamin D deficiency is an uncommon cause of acquired long QT. We hereby present a case of a 40-year-old woman with sensorineural deafness and having symptoms of palpitations and presyncope. She had a QTc interval of 556 ms (reference range, QTc 451-470 ms in adult healthy woman) on 24-hour Holter analysis. Genetic analysis for congenital long QT syndrome was negative. She was diagnosed with severe hypocalcaemia secondary to severe vitamin D deficiency. After treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate, followed by oral vitamin D and calcium supplementation, the QTc became normalised and no further episode of palpitations or presyncope occurred. The causes of vitamin D deficiency was due to inadequate exposure to sunlight and a strict vegan diet.

Theophylline toxicity: Successful management of a patient with distributive shock secondary to drug overdose.

Presenting a case of acute theophylline and salbutamol overdose with distributive shock. Twenty one years old lady presented with history of consumption of 3 gram of theophylline and 40 mg of salbutamol. On admission she had altered sensorium with the systolic blood pressure of 60 mmHg, unrecordable diastolic blood pressure and heart rate of 147/min. Investigations revealed severe metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia which was managed by intravenous fluids, vasopressors, infusion of injection calcium gluconate and injection potassium chloride. As her hemodynamic status did not improve, she has been initiated on 1.5 mL/kg of lipid emulsion as bolus and then 0.5 mL/kg/h as infusion. Her hemodynamic status improved gradually and she was discharged in 24 h. Lipid emulsion had been used in local anesthetics and many tablet overdoses. In this patient timely administration of lipid emulsion resulted in early recovery of shock.

Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy: a rare presenting manifestation of hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism patients present with features of hypocalcemia like carpopedal spasm, numbness and paresthesias but hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy leading to congestive heart failure (CHF) is a rare presentation. We present here a case of 55-year-old Asian man who was a known case of dilated cardiomyopathy for 6 months, presented with the chief complaints of shortness of breath on exertion and decreased urine output. On general physical examination, features suggestive of CHF were seen. Chvostek and Trousseau's sign was positive. The patient had a history of cataract surgery of both eyes 15 years ago. Further investigations revealed hypocalcemia. Echo showed severe global hypokinesia of left ventricle with left ventricle ejection fraction 15%. This CHF was refractory to conventional treatment, though, with calcium supplementation, the patient improved symptomatically. On follow-up after 3 months, an improvement was seen in the echocardiographic parameters with ejection fraction improving to 25%.

Calcium management challenges in a macrosomic child with subcutaneous fat necrosis.

We present a case that illustrates the fluctuations in calcium levels to be expected while managing an infant with maternal gestational diabetes mellitus who also develops subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN). There is initial hypocalcaemia due to functional hypoparathyroidism, requiring judicious calcium replacement. But with increased extrarenal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D due to granulomatous inflammation of subcutaneous adipose tissue, hypercalcaemia ensues. With a self-limiting course, SCFN of the newborn has an excellent prognosis and resolves spontaneously. However, aberrations in serum calcium levels can manifest in life-threatening complications and must hence be closely monitored.

Preoperative calcitriol reduces postoperative intravenous calcium requirements and length of stay in parathyroidectomy for renal-origin hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing subtotal parathyroidectomy for renal-origin hyperparathyroidism often develop postoperative hypocalcemia, requiring calcitriol and intravenous calcium (Postop-IVCa). We hypothesized that in subtotal parathyroidectomy for renal-origin hyperparathyroidism, preoperative calcitriol treatment reduces the use of postoperative administration of intravenous calcium. METHODS: A retrospective chart review compared subtotal parathyroidectomy for renal-origin hyperparathyroidism patients who received preoperative calcitriol treatment with those patietns who did not receive preoperative calcitriol treatment at one institution. Preoperative calcitriol treatment loading doses were 0.5 mcg twice daily for 5 days. All patients received postoperative calcitriol and oral calcium carbonate. Postoperative administration of intravenous calcium was given for symptoms, calcium <7.0 mg/dL, or surgeon preference. The Fisher exact test was used to compare proportions. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare continuous data. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Included were 81 patients who received subtotal parathyroidectomy for renal-origin hyperparathyroidism (41 patients who received preoperative calcitriol treatment, 40 patients who did not receive preoperative calcitriol treatment). Preoperative calcitriol treatment use increased over time (0% 2004-2010, 69% 2011-2016). Groups who received preoperative calcitriol treatment and groups who did not receive preoperative calcitriol treatment were similar in preoperative serum calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and median age (P > .05 for all). Patients who received preoperative calcitriol treatment less often required postoperative administration of intravenous calcium (34% vs 90% of patients who did not receive preoperative calcitriol treatment, P < .001). Median length of stay was 2.0 days shorter for patients who received preoperative calcitriol treatment versus patients who did not receive preoperative calcitriol treatment patients (P < .001). Factors associated with postoperative administration of intravenous calcium included not receiving preoperative calcitriol treatment, low preoperative calcium, and high preoperative parathyroid hormone. After multivariable adjustment, preoperative calcitriol treatment remained independently associated with reduced postoperative administration of intravenous calcium (OR 0.02, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative calcitriol therapy lowered use of postoperative administration of intravenous calcium by 56% and length of stay by 50% in subtotal parathyroidectomy for renal-origin hyperparathyroidism patients. We believe preoperative calcitriol treatment should become standard of care for subtotal parathyroidectomy for renal-origin hyperparathyroidism.

Toxicidad por ácido fluorhídrico: reporte de casos / HYdrofluoric acid toxicity

Los accidentes con ácido fluorhídrico en Argentina son un motivo de consulta infrecuente, a pesar de ser utilizado en varias actividades laborales. Es uno de los pocos cáusticos con tratamiento específico que se debe tener en cuenta. Reportamos el caso de un paciente de 35 años que estuvo en contacto con esta sustancia con posterior compromiso de miembro superior, presentando placa eritematosa en región palmar derecha y lesión ampollar con descamación posterior y sangrado en lecho ungueal. Recibió tratamiento local con gluconato de calcio al 20% en toda la extensión de la zona afectada durante 48 hs con recuperación completa a los quince días. La sospecha clínica temprana y la administración adecuada de gluconato de calcio evitan lesiones de mayor grado y extensión

In Argentina, hydrofluoric acid accidents are a rare reason for consultation, despite being a commonly used substance in laboral activities. It is one of the few caustics with a specific treatment that must be taken into account. We report the case of a 35 year old patient affected by said substance, in which we observe an impairment of the upper limb, presenting on the right palmar region, an erythematous plaque with a blister lesion with posterior scaling and bleeding of the nail bed. The importance of the early clinical suspicion and the proper administration of calcium gluconate would avoid bigger and more extensive lesions

Electrolytes: Calcium Disorders.

A normal serum calcium level is 8 to 10 mg/dL. The diagnosis of hypercalcemia (ie, levels 10.5 mg/dL or greater) should be confirmed with an albumin-adjusted or ionized calcium level. The two most common causes of hypercalcemia are hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Drugs, notably lithium and thiazide diuretics, also can cause hypercalcemia. Patients with severe or symptomatic hypercalcemia should be treated initially with hydration to decrease calcium levels. The evaluation should include a parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. If the PTH level is low, cancer is a likely cause, particularly multiple myeloma, breast cancer, or lymphoma. If the PTH level is normal or elevated, hyperparathyroidism is the likely cause. Symptomatic patients with hyperparathyroidism and patients with certain clinical markers should be considered for surgery. For patients with mild disease, monitoring is an option. Hypocalcemia often is caused by vitamin D deficiency. Symptomatic patients and patients with calcium levels less than 7.6 mg/dL should be treated with intravenous calcium gluconate; concomitant magnesium deficiency should be addressed. There is no evidence that routine calcium and vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of fractures, but studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation does decrease the number of falls in older adults at risk.

Camurati-Engelmann disease-a rare cause of tetany identified on bone scintigraphy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Camurati-Engelmann disease (i.e., progressive diaphyseal dysplasia) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant bone disorder. The most common clinical manifestations were chronic skeletal pain, waddling gait, muscular weakness. PATIENT CONCERNS: We described that a 27-year-old male with a 1-year history of intermittent tetany was referred for bone scintigraphy. The whole body bone scan images showed abnormal increased uptake of the tracer in the long bones of the upper and lower extremities as well as in the skull. DIAGNOSES: Combined the family history, the findings of the images and the genetic study, the diagnosis of Camurati-Engelmann disease was confirmed. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The patient responded well to the treatment of calcium gluconate. LESSONS: Bone scintigraphy would be helpful in the diagnosis and assessing the severity of Camurati-Engelmann disease.

Acute symptomatic hypocalcemia from immune checkpoint therapy-induced hypoparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Ipilimumab (a monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4) and nivolumab (a humanized antibody against PD-1) target these immune checkpoint pathways and are used for treatment of melanoma and an increasing number of other cancers. However, they may cause immune-related adverse effects (IRAEs). Although many endocrinopathies are known to be IRAEs, primary hypoparathyroidism with severe hypocalcemia has never been reported. This is the first case of hypoparathyroidism as an IRAE presenting to an Emergency Department with acute hypocalcemia. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 73-year-old man with metastatic melanoma presented to the Emergency Department for the chief complaints of imbalance, general muscle weakness, abdominal pain and tingling in extremities. He had wide spread metastasis, and begun immunotherapy with concurrent ipilimumab and nivolumab 1.5months ago. At presentation, he had ataxia, paresthesia in the hands and feet, and abdominal cramping. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was unremarkable. He was found to be hypocalcemic with undetectable plasma parathyroid hormone. He was admitted for treatment of symptomatic hypocalcemia and was diagnosed with primary hypoparathyroidism. Shortly afterwards, he had thyrotoxicosis manifesting as tachycardia and anxiety, followed by development of primary hypothyroidism. At 4months after the Emergency Department visit, his parathyroid function and thyroid function had not recovered, and required continued thyroid hormone replacement and calcium and vitamin D treatment for hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: Primary hypoparathyroidism caused by ipilimumab and nivolumab may acute manifest with severe symptomatic hypocalcemia. Emergency care providers should be aware of hypoparathyroidism as a new IRAE in this new era of immuno-oncology.

Prevention and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation. It is feasible to identify patients at risk, modify stimulation strategies to ameliorate risk, and initiate out-patient treatments that alter disease pathophysiology to reduce disease severity. Mitigation of OHSS risk and severity, through innovative approaches prior to treatment, during treatment and after treatment should now be standard care. This review summarizes recent developments and provides recommendations on the prevention and treatment of OHSS.

Comparison of skin effects of immediate treatment modalities in experimentally induced hydrofluoric acid skin burns.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns cause immediate damage and painful long-term sequellae. Traditionally, chelating agents have been used as the initial treatment for such burns. We have introduced epidermal growth factor (EGF) into an HF model to compare EGF with Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) treatments; 40 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Each rat suffered a 6 × 4 cm(2) burn induced by 40% HF. Group 1 had no treatment, group 2 had saline injected beneath the burn, group 3 received magnesium sulphate injections, group 4 received calcium gluconate and group 5 received EGF. Specimens were evaluated via planimetry and biopsy at intervals of 4, 8, 24 and 72 hours. Fluid losses were significantly less in the Mg(2+) and EGF groups. The EGF group had the smallest burn area, least oedema, least polymorphonuclear granulocyte (PMN) infiltration, most angiogenesis and highest fibroblast proliferation of any group (P < 0·005). EGF limited HF damage morphologically and histologically more effectively than Ca(2+) or Mg(2+). This finding indicates that HF treatment via growth factors may be an improvement over chelation therapy.

Calcium gluconate supplementation is effective to balance calcium homeostasis in patients with gastrectomy.

UNLABELLED: We demonstrate histological evidence for hyperparathyroidism in patients with gastrectomy. This is, at least in part, explained by impaired calcium absorption, resulting in mineralization defects and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, we demonstrate improved bone mineralization in patients with gastrectomy after gluconate therapy and showed the effectiveness of calcium gluconate over carbonate to balance impaired calcium hemostasis in mice. INTRODUCTION: Gastrectomy and hypochlorhydria due to long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy are associated with increased fracture risk because of intestinal calcium malabsorption. Hence, our objectives were to histologically investigate bone metabolism in patients with gastrectomy and to analyze the impact of calcium gluconate supplementation on skeletal integrity in the setting of impaired gastric acidification. METHODS: Undecalcified bone biopsies of 26 gastrectomized individuals were histologically analyzed. In the clinical setting, we retrospectively identified 5 gastrectomized patients with sufficient vitamin D level, who were additionally supplemented with calcium gluconate and had a real bone mineral density (aBMD) follow-up assessments. A mouse model of achlorhydria (ATP4b-/-) was used to compare the effect of calcium gluconate and calcium carbonate supplementation on bone metabolism. RESULTS: Biopsies from gastrectomized individuals showed significantly increased osteoid, osteoclast, and osteoblast indices and fibroosteoclasia (p < 0.05) as well as impaired calcium distribution in mineralized bone matrix compared to healthy controls. Five gastrectomized patients with sufficient vitamin D level demonstrated a significant increase in aBMD after a treatment with calcium gluconate alone for at least 6 months (p < 0.05). Calcium gluconate was superior to calcium carbonate in maintaining calcium metabolism in a mouse model of achlorhydria. CONCLUSION: Gastrectomy is associated with severe osteomalacia, marrow fibrosis, and impaired calcium distribution within the mineralized matrix. We show that calcium gluconate supplementation can increase bone mineral density in gastrectomized individuals and performs superior to calcium carbonate in restoring calcium/skeletal homoeostasis in a mouse model of achlorhydria.

[Hydrofluoric acid burns of the hands in the home environment: correct therapeutic approach]. / Le ustioni delle mani da acido fluoridrico in ambiente domestico: corretto approccio terapeutico.

The broad market penetration of products with components used primarily in the industrial sector requires the precise knowledge of their mechanism of action in order to perform a correct therapeutic approach. The article reports on three cases of domestic hydrofluoric acid burn that came to our Plastic Surgery Unit over the last three years. The treatment options are discussed in detail with emphasis on the importance of a constant update about such emerging diseases.

Pharmacological characterization of standard analgesics on oxaliplatin-induced acute cold hypersensitivity in mice.

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, causes an acute peripheral neuropathy triggered by cold in almost all patients during or within hours after its infusion. We recently reported that a single administration of oxaliplatin induced cold hypersensitivity 2 h after the administration in mice. In this study, we examined whether standard analgesics relieve the oxaliplatin-induced acute cold hypersensitivity. Gabapentin, tramadol, mexiletine, and calcium gluconate significantly inhibited and morphine and milnacipran decreased the acute cold hypersensitivity, while diclofenac and amitriptyline had no effects. These results suggest that gabapentin, tramadol, mexiletine, and calcium gluconate are effective against oxaliplatin-induced acute peripheral neuropathy.

Acute hydrofluoric acid exposure reported to Taiwan Poison Control Center, 1991-2010.

BACKGROUND: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a dangerous chemical that can cause severe cutaneous burns as well as possible systemic toxicity. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all human HF exposure cases reported to the National Poison Control Center of Taiwan between 1991 and 2010. RESULTS: In this 20-year survey, 324 calls were identified, with a majority of dermal exposure (84%). Occupational exposure accounted for 80% of all cases, with workers in semiconductor industry (61%), cleaning industry (15%), chemical or metal industry (13%), and other industries (11%). Electrolyte imbalances were uncommon, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia were recorded in 8.6%, 1.2%, and 1.5% of all cases, respectively. Most cases (64%) of dermal exposure received antidotal treatment. Treatment modalities of dermal exposure included calcium gluconate soaking, 49.8%; intravenous calcium, 20.6%; and topical use of calcium gluconate gel, 13.9%. Twenty patients (7%) received surgery. Following HF exposure, the majority of patients presented with mild (56.5%) or moderate (36.7%) toxic effects. However, four patients were severely intoxicated; two patients died of HF-related dysrhythmia and shock. CONCLUSIONS: Significant symptomology may occur following HF exposure, and most of the HF exposure required hospitals evaluation. Calcium gluconate soaks appear to be effective in reducing local pain and tissue damage. Hyperkalemia should not be overemphasized as a common finding in HF exposure, hypokalemia tends to occur in cases of severe HF poisoning.

Solitary erythematous, tender plaque of the heel in a young infant.

Calcinosis cutis is a rare disorder resulting from the precipitation and deposition of insoluble calcium and phosphate salts (hydroxyapatite crystals) in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is generally divided into four main groups on the basis of etiology and pathogenesis. Clinical presentation of cutaneous calcinosis cutis varies according to the diagnosis and the underlying process. We report a case of calcinosis cutis of the heel in which both the extravasation of a calcium gluconate infusion and renal failure could have promoted the development of calcinosis cutis.

[State of thiol exchange in patients with psoriasis and its possible correction].

Experiments on erythrocytes of patients were used to study the influence of remaxol and ademetionin on the exchange of thiols. The values of thioldisulfide exchange indicators were determined in the beginning of the period of observation and at the end of every week within one month. Patients who received hepato-protectors in combination with higher-level thiols showed positive dynamics in disease treatment as compared to patients receiving standard therapy. The concentration of restored glutathione and proteins of hydrosulfide groups and the activity of glutathione peroxidase are informative criteria for estimating the course of disease current and the efficiency of therapy of widespread forms of psoriasis.

Safety and efficacy of polycalcium for improving biomarkers of bone metabolism: a 4-week open-label clinical study.

Polycalcium is a mixture of Polycan and calcium lactate-gluconate 1:9 (w/w) with demonstrated antiosteoporosis activity in vitro and in vivo studies. These studies were a 4-week open-label, single-center trial to evaluate the efficacy of oral Polycalcium on bone metabolism and safety. In total, 30 healthy women (range 40-60 years) were administered 400 mg of Polycalcium for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy parameter was urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPYR) levels, and serum osteocalcin (OSC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), urinary cross-linked C-telopeptide of type-1 collagen (CTx), urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type-1 collagen (NTx), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) levels, which were evaluated for comparison before and after administration of Polycalcium. After 4 weeks of Polycalcium administration, 27 subjects completed the test plan. Three subjects withdrew their consent to participate. The values of blood OSC, BALP, serum Ca, and serum P from baseline to 4 weeks of treatment were changed by -28.44%, 14.37%, 6.11%, and 1.42%, respectively. Biomarkers of bone resorption: urinary DPYR, serum CTx, serum NTx, urinary Ca, and urinary P, at baseline after 4 weeks of treatment were changed by -13.40%, 6.67%, -5.13%, -22.43%, and -3.04%, respectively. Additionally, when considering the subjects' adverse effects and the results of the blood and urine tests over the 4-week trial period, the dose of 400 mg Polycalcium showed efficacy for improving bone metabolism and was well tolerated and safe. Polycalcium was apparently safe and efficacious.