A 64-year-old woman is evaluated in the clinic following routine laboratory testing that revealed hypercalcemia. She has no symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, bone pain, or cognitive changes. Her medical history is significant for essential hypertension and osteopenia. Her medications include chlorthalidone and cholecalciferol. Blood pressure is 132/82 mm Hg, and pulse is 72/min. Physical examination is unremarkable.
Laboratory results are as follows:
| Test | Result | Reference Range |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | ||
| Phosphorus | ||
| Intact parathyroid hormone | ||
| 25-hydroxyvitamin D | ||
| Creatinine | ||
| 24-hour urine calcium | ||
| 24-hour urine creatinine |
The calculated calcium-to-creatinine clearance ratio is .
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- Discontinue chlorthalidone and repeat laboratory testingCevap
- BPerform genetic testing for CASR mutations
- COrder technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy
- DRefer for surgical parathyroidectomy
- EMeasure serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels
Cevap
The most appropriate next step is to discontinue chlorthalidone and repeat the laboratory testing.
The most appropriate next step in management is to discontinue the thiazide diuretic (chlorthalidone) and repeat the laboratory testing in several weeks. This patient presents with PTH-dependent hypercalcemia (elevated serum calcium with an unsuppressed, elevated PTH). The primary differential for PTH-dependent hypercalcemia includes primary hyperparathyroidism, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), and medication-induced hypercalcemia (e.g., lithium, thiazide diuretics). To differentiate between these, a 24-hour urine calcium and a calcium-to-creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR) are calculated. A CCCR of indicates profound hypocalciuria. While this is the classic biochemical hallmark of FHH, thiazide diuretics act on the distal convoluted tubule to increase calcium reabsorption, producing an identical laboratory profile. Therefore, before pursuing genetic testing for FHH or evaluating for primary hyperparathyroidism, the confounding medication must be stopped, and the calcium profile reassessed to determine the true underlying physiology.
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Anahtar Kavram
Thiazide-induced hypercalcemia and its mimicry of Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia (FHH)