Severe hypercalcemia as a form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia presentation in children

Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2015 Oct-Dec;27(4):402-5. doi: 10.5935/0103-507X.20150067.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Hypercalcemia is a rare metabolic disorder in children and is potentially fatal. It has a wide differential diagnosis, including cancer. Here, we report the case of a previously healthy 3-year-old who was admitted to the emergency room with fatigue, hyporeactivity, fever and limping gait that had evolved over 5 days and that was progressively worsening. On examination the patient was unconscious (Glasgow coma score: 8). Laboratory tests indicated severe hypercalcemia (total calcium 21.39mg/dL, ionized calcium 2.93mmol/L) and microcytic anemia. Hyperhydration was initiated, and the child was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration with calcium-free solution was instituted, which brought progressive normalization of serum calcium and an improved state of consciousness. Zoledronate was administered, and metabolic and infectious causes and poisoning were excluded. The bone marrow smear revealed a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hypercalcemia associated with malignancy in children is rare and occurs as a form of cancer presentation or recurrence. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration should be considered in situations where there is imminent risk to life.

A hipercalcemia é um distúrbio metabólico raro em pediatria, potencialmente fatal, apresentando um vasto diagnóstico diferencial, incluindo neoplasias. Relatamos aqui o caso de uma criança de 3 anos, previamente saudável, admitida no serviço de urgência por fadiga, hiporreatividade, febre e claudicação da marcha com 5 dias de evolução, de agravamento progressivo. À observação, apresentava-se inconsciente (escore de coma Glasgow: 8). Laboratorialmente, apresentava hipercalcemia grave (cálcio total 21,39mg/dL, ionizado 2,93mmol/L) e anemia microcítica. Iniciou hiper-hidratação e foi transferido para a unidade de cuidados intensivos pediátricos. Instituiu-se hemodiafiltração venovenosa contínua com soluto livre de cálcio, ocorrendo a progressiva normalização da calcemia, com melhoria do estado de consciência. Administrou-se zolendronato. Excluíram-se causas metabólicas, infecciosas e intoxicação. O mielograma permitiu o diagnóstico de leucemia linfoblástica aguda. A hipercalcemia associada à malignidade em pediatria é rara, ocorrendo como forma de apresentação da neoplasia ou na recorrência desta. Em situações com risco de vida iminente, deve se considerar hemodiafiltração venovenosa contínua.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Hemodiafiltration / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / etiology*
  • Hypercalcemia / therapy
  • Imidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • Zoledronic Acid