2026, Number 2
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Rev Mex Pediatr 2026; 93 (2)
Malignant hypercalcemia: a rare complication in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Vásquez-Osorio EP, López-León VN, Félix-Ramos G, Figueroa-Samaniego A, Velásquez-Pablos JM
Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 73-76
PDF size: 873.82 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: malignant hypercalcemia is an uncommon metabolic complication in pediatrics and, as the initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is exceptional.
Case presentation: an 11-year-old girl was admitted with fever, arthralgia, progressive claudication, weight loss, and asthenia. Initial studies showed severe hypercalcemia (17 mg/dL), hypophosphatemia, hyperuricemia, hypercalciuria, and bicytopenia. Intravenous hyperhydration and furosemide were initiated without adequate response; hemodialysis was then performed, achieving progressive normalization of serum calcium after three sessions. Subsequently, bone marrow aspirate revealed 75% blasts, and ALL was confirmed by immunophenotyping. After starting chemotherapy, the patient maintained normal calcium levels and a favorable clinical course leukemia.
Conclusions: malignant hypercalcemia can be the first manifestation of leukemia in children. Early diagnosis and appropriate management improve the prognosis for these patients.
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