Severe hypercalcaemia early after kidney transplantation in two patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism previously treated with etelcalcetide

Abstract

Abstract Cinacalcet and, more recently, etelcalcetide revolutionized the treatment of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD–MBD). Kidney transplant (KT) usually improves CKD–MBD. However, a significant proportion of KT recipients have high serum calcium levels, not requiring any treatment. We report two patients previously treated with etelcalcetide who developed severe (>3.3 mmol/L) hypercalcaemia in the early post-KT course, requiring parathyroidectomy. Pathological studies showed parathyroid adenomas and hyperplasia. One patient had a graft biopsy showing numerous intratubular calcium phosphate crystals. These observations should prompt pharmacovigilance studies and careful follow-up of KT recipients previously treated with etelcalcetide.