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Hypoparathyroidism unmasked by alendronate.
1Department of Medicine,Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 411 040, India. skashyap@pn2.vsnl.net.in
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Alendronate, a medication for osteoporosis, can cause severe hypocalcemia by unmasking hypoparathyroidism. This case highlights the importance of monitoring calcium levels when initiating bisphosphonate therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a common condition in elderly individuals, often treated with bisphosphonates.
- Alendronate is a widely prescribed bisphosphonate for managing osteoporosis.
Observation:
- An elderly woman developed severe hypocalcemia shortly after commencing alendronate therapy.
- The patient had undiagnosed hypoparathyroidism prior to treatment.
Findings:
- Alendronate treatment unmasked latent hypoparathyroidism, leading to profound hypocalcemia.
- This adverse drug reaction underscores a potential drug-induced complication.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider screening for hypoparathyroidism in patients initiating alendronate, especially the elderly.
- Monitoring calcium levels is crucial during bisphosphonate therapy to prevent severe hypocalcemia.