Severe hypocalcemia after denosumab treatment leading to refractory ventricular tachycardia and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a case report

ConclusionCardiac arrest due to hypocalcemia is relatively rare but can be fatal. In the present case, hyperventilation may have acutely exacerbated pre-existing hypocalcemia, leading to ventricular tachycardia. The patient had a slightly decreased serum calcium level prior to denosumab. Close monitoring may be preferable after the primary dose of denosumab in selected patients. Emergency physicians caring for patients who may be suffering from symptoms/signs of hypocalcemia must be mindful of medications that have long half-lives and affect electrolyte balance when treating fatal arrhythmia due to hypocalcemia.
Source: International Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research