Plasmapheresis-Induced Hypercalcaemia
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2013, Vol 13, Issue 1
Abstract
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy that can cause total motor paralysis in severe cases. Reports of hypercalcaemia in patients with GBS are rare. Plasmapheresis, an extracorporeal blood purifcation procedure for the removal of large molecular weight substances, is a wellestablished therapy for ventilated GBS patients. Although it has been observed in a few reported cases, theoretically, hypercalcaemia is not described as a plasmapheresis-related problem unless there is an underlying cause. We present a rare case of an 8-year-old child presenting with headache, diplopia, and squint, followed by disturbed conscious levels and paralysis. He was treated with both intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis, with a favourable outcome. We made a laboratory observation of hypercalcaemia which was associated with the plasmapheresis therapy without any related underlying cause. Tis raises the need for similar observations and the gathering of other possible acceptable explanations.
Authors and Affiliations
Anas-Alwogud Abdelmogheth| Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Islam El-Baroudy| Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Saif Al-Yaaruby| Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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