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Hypercalcaemia in systemic lupus erythematosus.
N Berar-Yanay1, P Weiner, R Magadle
1Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.
Clinical Rheumatology
|May 11, 2001
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus can rarely cause hypercalcaemia, sometimes presenting as hypercalcaemia-lymphoedema syndrome. This case highlights a rare presentation of lupus, exploring potential autoimmune mechanisms for high calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypercalcaemia is a common electrolyte disturbance, typically caused by hyperparathyroidism or malignancy.
- Less common causes account for fewer than 10% of cases.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a very rare cause of hypercalcaemia.
Observation:
- This report details a patient with severe hypercalcaemia who developed hypercalcaemia-lymphoedema syndrome.
- The patient also met the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus.
- This distinct clinical entity involves lymphadenopathy and pleuritis.
Findings:
- The pathophysiology of hypercalcaemia in SLE remains incompletely understood.
- Some cases show elevated parathyroid-related peptide (PTHrP) levels.
- Other cases, with normal PTHrP, suggest autoantibodies activating the PTH receptor.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering SLE in unexplained hypercalcaemia, especially with associated lymphadenopathy and pleuritis.
- Further research into the autoimmune mechanisms of hypercalcaemia in SLE is warranted.
- Understanding these mechanisms could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for both hypercalcaemia and SLE.