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Theophylline-induced hypercalcemia
Annals of Internal Medicine
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Theophylline toxicity can cause high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) by affecting beta-adrenergic pathways. These elevated calcium levels normalize as theophylline levels decrease.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Theophylline is a common medication with a narrow therapeutic index.
- Theophylline toxicity can lead to various adverse effects.
- The relationship between theophylline and serum calcium levels is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between theophylline toxicity and hypercalcemia.
- To explore the mechanism by which theophylline affects serum calcium.
- To determine the role of beta-adrenergic regulation in theophylline-induced hypercalcemia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 60 patients hospitalized for theophylline toxicity over 2 years.
- Monitoring of serum calcium and theophylline levels.
- Administration of propranolol to normal volunteers receiving theophylline to assess beta-adrenergic blockade.
Main Results:
- Eleven of 60 patients with theophylline toxicity presented with hypercalcemia.
- Serum calcium normalized in these patients as theophylline levels decreased.
- A significant increase in serum calcium in normal volunteers on theophylline was reversed by propranolol, suggesting beta-adrenergic involvement.
Conclusions:
- Theophylline toxicity is associated with elevated serum calcium levels.
- Theophylline appears to increase serum calcium through a mechanism involving beta-adrenergic regulation.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular pathways involved.
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