Case report: Denosumab-associated acute heart failure in patients with cardiorenal insufficiency

Yuexian Xing1, Sicong Ju1, Mengyu Sun1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.

Insights

Denosumab treatment for osteoporosis can cause hypocalcemia, especially in patients with kidney issues. Prompt calcium and vitamin D supplementation is crucial to prevent serious complications like heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Denosumab is a key osteoporosis treatment for postmenopausal women.
  • Renal insufficiency increases the risk of hypocalcemia with denosumab therapy.

Observation:

  • A case study involving a patient with cardiorenal insufficiency.
  • The patient experienced denosumab-induced hypocalcemia complicated by acute left heart failure.

Findings:

  • Delayed calcium and vitamin D supplementation exacerbated heart failure symptoms.
  • Adequate supplementation rapidly resolved heart failure and normalized serum calcium levels.

Implications:

  • Denosumab use requires cardiac and renal function assessment.
  • Timely calcium and vitamin D supplementation and monitoring are vital to prevent denosumab-related hypocalcemia and heart failure.

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