Use of denosumab to treat refractory hypercalcemia in a peritoneal dialysis patient with immobilization and tertiary hyperparathyroidism

Hypercalcemia due to excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) production is a common condition among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), often referred to as tertiary hyperparathyroidism. There are limited effective medical treatment options currently available for such patients. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits osteoclast activation, thereby reducing calcium release from bones. Denosumab has been used to treat medically-refractory hypercalcemia in non-ESRD patients with hyperparathyroidism. Denosumab has also been used to treat non-PTH-mediated hypercalcemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and ESRD. In this case report, we describe the use of denosumab to successfully treat a case of medically refractory hypercalcemia due to immobilization in a patient on peritoneal dialysis with severe underlying tertiary hyperparathyroidism. In spite of persistently elevated PTH, hypercalcemia quickly resolved after a single dose of denosumab. The patient subsequently developed temporary hypocalcemia requiring medical intervention. Our case report, which is the first described use of denosumab for treatment of hypercalcemia in the setting of tertiary hyperparathyroidism in a peritoneal dialysis patient, adds to the body of literature suggesting denosumab is a useful therapeutic agent in patients with ESRD. Issues with post-treatment electrolyte management and other therapeutic considerations are also discussed.