Denosumab, an anti-resorptive treatment for osteoporosis and skeletal metastases from solid tumours, can cause hypocalcaemia. The incidence may be higher than previously reported due to varying serum calcium cut-off and timing of measurement. The following cases illustrate patients at risk of hypocalcaemia despite supplementation. These populations, with underlying high bone turnover from metastatic bone disease or secondary hyperparathyroidism due to renal failure, may require closer monitoring of calcium levels post-denosumab administration.
Keywords: calcium; denosumab; hyperparathyroidism; hypocalcaemia; osteoporosis; renal insufficiency.
© 2013 The Authors; Internal Medicine Journal © 2013 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.