Clodronate Treatment for Malignant Hypercalcaemia
Author Information
Author(s): N.P. O'Rourke, E.V. McCloskey, S. Vasikaran, K. Eyres, D. Fern, J.A. Kanis
Primary Institution: University of Sheffield Medical School
Hypothesis
Is a single intravenous infusion of clodronate effective in treating malignant hypercalcaemia compared to multiple infusions?
Conclusion
A single infusion of 1500 mg clodronate is as effective as multiple infusions in reducing serum calcium levels in patients with malignant hypercalcaemia.
Supporting Evidence
- 80% of patients became normocalcaemic after treatment.
- The single infusion had a more rapid onset of effect compared to multiple infusions.
- Serum calcium levels fell significantly after treatment.
Takeaway
Doctors can give a single dose of clodronate to help patients with high calcium levels from cancer, and it works just as well as giving smaller doses over several days.
Methodology
30 patients with hypercalcaemia due to malignancy were treated with a single intravenous infusion of 1500 mg clodronate over 4 hours, and results were compared with historical data from patients treated with 300 mg clodronate daily for 5 days.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the control group.
Limitations
The study used historical controls for comparison, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 57.6 years, with 13 women and 17 men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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