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Hypercalcemia-induced upper gastrointestinal bleeding after renal transplantation
Urology
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Hypercalcemia after kidney transplant can cause peptic disease. Early parathyroid surgery may prevent life-threatening bleeding in at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hypercalcemia is a frequent complication post-renal transplantation.
- Elevated calcium levels may trigger gastrin hypersecretion, leading to peptic disease.
Observation:
- Two patients with hypercalcemia and severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage experienced bleeding control after subtotal parathyroidectomy.
- A retrospective review of 10 patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage found elevated serum calcium in all with normal renal function.
Findings:
- Subtotal parathyroidectomy effectively controlled life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with hypercalcemia post-renal transplant.
- All patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage and normal renal function exhibited elevated serum calcium levels.
Implications:
- Early subtotal parathyroidectomy could be beneficial for renal transplant recipients prone to hypercalcemia.
- This intervention may reduce the significant mortality (43%) associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage in this patient population.