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Published on: February 8, 2019
Hypercalcemia from sarcoidosis successfully treated with infliximab
J G Huffstutter1, J E Huffstutter
1University of Tennessee Chattanooga, USA. Jessicahgrace@gmail.com
Summary
Sarcoidosis can cause severe hypercalcemia and kidney problems. Infliximab effectively treated a patient with refractory hypercalcemia, showing sustained improvement in kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease.
- Clinical presentation and severity vary widely among patients.
- Treatment decisions are individualized based on disease manifestations and treatment response.
Observation:
- A patient with sarcoidosis presented with lymphadenopathy.
- Initial treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants was poorly tolerated.
- Severe hypercalcemia and progressive renal insufficiency developed.
Findings:
- Intravenous infliximab rapidly resolved hypercalcemia.
- Gradual improvement in renal function was observed with infliximab.
- Discontinuation of infliximab led to recurrent hypercalcemia.
- The patient demonstrated sustained response to infliximab for four years with no serious adverse events and improved renal function.
Implications:
- Infliximab is a potential therapeutic option for severe hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis.
- Early consideration of infliximab may be beneficial for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.
- This case highlights the efficacy of infliximab in managing refractory sarcoidosis-related hypercalcemia and renal impairment.
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