[Hypercalcemia during immobilization and prolonged anuria treated with disodium clodronate]

Severe hypercalcaemia was observed during prolonged anuria and prolonged immobilization in a previously healthy 34 years old male after a severe trauma caused by a traffic accident. Other causes of the hypercalcaemia were evaluated, and even though granulomas of unidentified nature were found in the liver after partial resection due to traumatic rupture the immobile state was concluded to be the major cause. A maximum calcium value of 4.44 mmol/l was seen after 10 weeks immobilization. The patient was treated with daily dialysis and, even though the calcium content in the dialysis fluid was reduced, only a minor effect was seen on the calcium level. After eight weeks of hypercalcaemia, the patient was treated with disodium clodronate intravenously 400 mg for daily five days. However, the calcium level was not normalized and the treatment was repeated with a further reduction in the calcium level. If immobilization is a major contributory factor to hypercalcaemia, disodium clodronate seems to be a safe and effective treatment.