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Published on: May 26, 2022
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.
Abstract:
Denosumab is a pivotal treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Although its clinical use is generally well tolerated by patients, denosumab in patients with renal insufficiency may increase the risk of hypocalcemia. Thus, we have to consider the population of denosumab in the treatment of osteoporosis and preventive measures for related complications. In a patient with cardiorenal insufficiency, we reported a case of denosumab-induced hypocalcemia complicated by acute left heart failure due to delayed administration of active vitamin D and calcium supplements. The patient's symptoms did not improve after anti-heart failure treatment. However, after adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation subsequently, the patient's symptoms of heart failure were rapidly relieved, and the serum calcium level returned to normal within three weeks. Therefore, our case showed that the application of denosumab in patients requires assessment of cardiac and renal function, timely calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and enhanced monitoring of serum calcium levels to prevent acute left heart failure induced by denosumab-related hypocalcemia.
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