Plasmapheresis-induced hypercalcaemia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Nephrology

Background:

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy potentially leading to severe motor paralysis.
• Hypercalcaemia is an uncommon complication in GBS patients.
• Plasmapheresis is a standard treatment for ventilated GBS patients, involving extracorporeal blood purification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of hypercalcaemia associated with plasmapheresis in a pediatric patient with GBS.
• To investigate the potential link between plasmapheresis and hypercalcaemia in the absence of other underlying causes.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an 8-year-old child with GBS symptoms including neurological deficits.
• Treatment involved intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis.
• Laboratory monitoring for electrolyte imbalances, specifically calcium levels.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced favorable outcomes following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis.
• A laboratory observation revealed hypercalcaemia during plasmapheresis therapy.
• No underlying cause for hypercalcaemia was identified, suggesting a potential association with the treatment.

Conclusions:

• Hypercalcaemia can occur in pediatric GBS patients treated with plasmapheresis, even without an apparent underlying etiology.
• This case underscores the importance of vigilant laboratory monitoring for hypercalcaemia in GBS patients undergoing plasmapheresis.
• Further research and data collection are needed to understand and confirm this association and explore potential mechanisms.