Introduction: Hypocalcemia in patients with advanced malignancy is usually attributed to bone metastases, vitamin D deficiency, renal impairment, or antiresorptive therapy. Paclitaxel, a taxane-based chemotherapy agent widely used for breast cancer, is not commonly associated with calcium disturbances. Proposed mechanism includes renal tubular dysfunction, renal salt wasting, and disruptions in bone metabolism. In patients with underlying disorders of calcium homeostasis such as hypoparathyroidism, taxanebased chemotherapy such as Docetaxel and Paclitaxel may exacerbate calcium imbalance. We reported a case of recurrent hypocalcemia associated with paclitaxel therapy in a patient with metastatic breast cancer. Case: A 42-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer, involving the liver and bones, had previously undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Following the disease progression, she was commenced on weekly intravenous paclitaxel at a 20% dose reduction due to prior complications and underlying metabolic risk. She had a history of post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism and had previously been intolerant to docetaxel during the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which was complicated by hypocalcemia, likely secondary to renal salt wasting. During paclitaxel treatment, she developed recurrent symptomatic hypocalcemia, requiring multiple hospital admissions and repeated intravenous calcium gluconate infusions despite ongoing oral calcium and calcitriol supplementation, which were temporarily increased during the chemotherapy. These episodes occurred intermittently in temporal association with paclitaxel administration, with other causes of hypocalcemia were considered less likely. Conclusion Hypocalcemia associated with paclitaxel is rarely described in literature. This case highlights the importance of monitoring calcium level in patients receiving paclitaxel, particularly in those with pre-existing hypoparathyroidism.
Hypocalcemia ; Hypoparathyroidism ; Breast Diseases ; Paclitaxel

INTRODUCTION

Despite advancements in surgical techniques aimed at preserving parathyroid function, postoperative hypocalcemia (PoH) remains a challenge following elective total thyroidectomy. Management typically involves postoperative calcium supplementation; however, some studies suggest preoperative calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation may prevent PoH. This paper analyzed existing studies to determine efficacy of preoperative calcium, with or without vitamin D, in preventing hypocalcemia in total thyroidectomy patients. Level of Evidence: Meta-analysis, Level IV.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42024426410. Searches were performed on PubMED, PubMED Central, Embase, Cochrane Library, and HERDIN without date or language restrictions. Relevant studies underwent multiple screenings, with accepted individual studies assessed for bias or quality. Meta-analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

A total of 345 studies were initially identified. Following deduplication, exclusion, and quality appraisal, 8 studies were included for analysis. Random effects model was utilized for all analysis due to heterogeneity in data. Results indicate that preoperative calcium, with or without vitamin D supplementation, correlated with higher postoperative calcium levels (z = 3.09, p < 0.001), reduced incidence of laboratory (z= 2.05, p = 0.03) and clinical hypocalcemia (z= 2.94, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (z= 2.32, p = 0.01).

Results from the conducted meta-analysis support the proposed practice of providing calcium with or without vitamin D supplementation among patients who are to undergo total thyroidectomy procedures to prevent postoperative hypocalcemia.

To review the diagnosis and treatment of a case of hypercalcium crisis caused by primary hyperparathyroidism（PHPT） and prophylactic treatment of hungry bone syndrome. In a 32-year-old male with hypercalcemia, the main manifestations were loss of appetite, nausea, polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, lethargy, etc. parathyroid hormone, serum calcium increased, thyroid function was normal, thyroid color ultrasound and MRI showed space-occupying behind the right thyroid, radionuclide examination showed abnormal imaging agent concentration in the right parathyroid area, there was a history of pathological fracture. Clinically diagnosed as hypercalcemia crisis secondary to PHPT.
Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Hypercalcemia/diagnosis* ; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary/surgery* ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Hypocalcemia/complications* ; Thyroid Gland ; Calcium

Objective: To determine the association of surgeon’s experience based on years of practice and incidence of post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Methods: Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary Private Training Hospital. Participants: Records of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a private tertiary hospital from January 2003 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Medical information obtained were patient demographics, surgeon’s years of practice, thyroid specimen weight, technique of surgery, histopathologic findings and calcium assay values. Chi square test and Odds Ratio analysis were used to determine the relationship between the surgeon’s experience and post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Results: Three hundred fourteen (314) patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from 2003 to 2018 were included in the study. Overall rate of post-operative hypocalcemia was 41%. On multivariate analysis, no significant odds ratio was found between surgeons with 5 to 19 years of experience and those with more than 19 years of experience in relation to post-operative hypocalcemia [Odds Ratio 1.4 (95% Confidence Interval 0.7 to 2.6)]. Odds ratios for other variables may be interpreted, however, they could not be generalized over the population where data was gathered since the 95% Confidence Interval includes 1. Conclusion The results of this retrospective cohort study suggest that post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is not associated with surgeon’s experience based on years of practice. Further studies are recommended in a multicenter approach to better generalize to the whole population.
Thyroidectomy ; Hypocalcemia ; Postoperative Complications

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients. Calcium has been shown to play a role in the myocardial function of the patient and is a potential cause of mortality among dengue patients. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of hypocalcemia in predicting the severity of dengue among pediatric patients. METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies identified through an electronic literature search using PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Herdin, Google Scholar, and hand search. Validity was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis of the diagnostic test accuracy review was done using Review Manager 5.4.1 with the random effects model. Results showed sensitivity and specificity of hypocalcemia in severe dengue with a 95% confidence interval. The predictive values and likelihood ratios were also computed. RESULTS: Four studies were analyzed. The mean serum total and ionized calcium levels of patients were decreased among the severe dengue group. Data showed that there is a 74% sensitivity (95% CI = 0.58, 0.84) and 75% specificity (95% CI = 0.67, 0.81) with a positive predictive value of 67% and a negative predictive value of 90.7%. CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that hypocalcemia may be a useful tool to predict severe dengue fever. However, further analysis is needed to strengthen the the diagnostic accuracy of hypocalcemia.
Severe Dengue ; Hypocalcemia

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and mutations of the TRPM6 gene in an infant featuring hypomagnesemia and secondary hypocalcemia. METHODS: Clinical data of the patient was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the patient and her parents. Targeted exome sequencing was carried out to screen the potential mutations. Suspected mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: A novel homozygous c.5538delA (p.Q1846Qfs*2) mutation in the TRPM6 gene was identified in the proband, for which both of her parents were heterozygous carriers. CONCLUSION The homozygous frameshift mutation of TRPM6 gene (c.5538delA) probably underlies the disease in the proband. The finding has expanded the mutation spectrum of TRPM6 gene.
DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Frameshift Mutation ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; genetics ; Infant ; Magnesium Deficiency ; congenital ; genetics ; TRPM Cation Channels ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular pathogenesis for a pedigree affected with hypocalcemia secondary to hypomagnesemia. METHODS: Sanger sequencing was used to detect potential variant of the TRPM6 gene in the patient and their parents. RESULTS: The results showed that the patient has carried novel homozygous c.3311C>T (p.Pro1104Leu) variant of the TRMP6 gene, for which both of his parents were heterozygous carriers. Analysis of protein functions using software predicted high risk of pathogenicity. CONCLUSION The homozygous c.3311C>T (p.Pro1104Leu) variant of the TRPM6 gene probably underlies the disease in this patient.
Heterozygote ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; genetics ; Magnesium ; Magnesium Deficiency ; genetics ; Male ; Pedigree ; TRPM Cation Channels ; genetics

Iatrogenic calcinosis cutis is due to the intravenous administration of calcium gluconate or calcium chloride to treat hypocalcemia. The arthors report three cases of calcinosis cutis with calcifications involving the upper or lower extremities in neonates following the extravasation of calcium gluconate. Three neonates, a 2-week-old girl, 4-week-old boy, and a 4-week-old girl, were consulted for indurated nodules after the intravenous administration of calcium gluconate at the intensive care unit. Complete remission of palpable nodule and calcification was observed on the radiograph at three weeks, four weeks and six months after the initial presentation in each. All three neonates with iatrogenic calcinosis curtis were resolved spontaneously without functional and cosmetic complications. According to enhancement of the patient's cognition about benign disease, a suitable explanation of the disease and avoiding unnecessary treatment through an early diagnosis of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis will reduce a number of potential medical malpractice disputes.
Administration, Intravenous ; Calcinosis ; Calcium Chloride ; Calcium Gluconate ; Calcium ; Cognition ; Dissent and Disputes ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Malpractice

PURPOSE: Routine supplementation of high-dose calcium significantly decreased the risk of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether the same results can be achieved with low-dose calcium supplementation. METHODS: Patients (n = 138) who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer were 1:1 randomly assigned to receive oral supplements of 1,500 mg/day elemental calcium and 1,000 IU/day cholecalciferol for 2 weeks or no supplementation. Primary objective was to compare the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia for 3 days after total thyroidectomy. Secondary objective was to find the predictors for postoperative hypocalcemia in patients with thyroid cancer. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients in the calcium group and 69 patients in the control group were finally analyzed. The incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia showed no difference between the calcium and control group (32.3% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.168). The total dosage of intravenous calcium (593.4 ± 267.1 mg vs. 731.6 ± 622.7 mg, P = 0.430) administered to patients with symptomatic hypocalcemia was also comparable between groups. In a multivariate analysis, parathyroid hormone level of 13 pg/mL at postoperative day 1 was only predictive for symptomatic hypocalcemia, and its incidence was 20.9 times (95% confidence interval, 6.8–64.5) higher in patients with parathyroid hormone <13 pg/mL. Other factors did not predict the development of hypocalcemia, including clinicopathological features and routine supplementation of low-dose calcium. CONCLUSION: Routine low-dose calcium supplementation did not reduce the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia. Patients who may benefit from calcium supplementation should be carefully selected.
Calcium ; Cholecalciferol ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; Hypoparathyroidism ; Incidence ; Multivariate Analysis ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Prospective Studies ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroidectomy

Vitamin D hydroxylation-deficient rickets type 1A (VDDR1A, OMIM 264700) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder. Pathogenic variants in the CYP27B1 gene lead to loss of 1α-hydroxylase activity. We report the case of a 22-month-old toddler who presented with growth retardation and delayed development. The patient exhibited the typical laboratory findings of VDDR1A, including hypocalcemia (calcium: 5.2 mg/dL), elevated serum level of alkaline phosphatase (2,600 U/L), elevated serum level of intact-parathyroid hormone (238 pg/mL), low 1,25(OH)₂D₃ level (11.2 pg/mL), and normal 25(OH)D₃ level (40.7 ng/mL). His height and weight were 76.5 cm and 9.5 kg, respectively (both <3rd percentile). The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development II indicated significantly delayed development (mental development index <50, psychomotor development index <50). The patient was a compound heterozygous for two novel pathogenic variants in the CYP27B1 gene: c.57_69del (p.Glu20Profs*2) and c.171dupG (p.Leu58Alafs*275), inherited from his mother and father, respectively. The patient showed remarkable improvement after treatment with calcitriol and calcium carbonate.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Calcitriol ; Calcium Carbonate ; Databases, Genetic ; Fathers ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; Infant ; Mothers ; Rickets ; Vitamin D ; Vitamins ; Weights and Measures