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Baek YJ, Kim K, Nam BD, Jung J, Lee E, Noh H, Kim TH. Late-Onset Granulomatous Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in A Renal Transplant Recipient: A Clinical Grand Round Conference Case in 2022. Infect Chemother 2023; 55:309-316. [PMID: 37794576 PMCID: PMC10551715 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2023.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Late-onset Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) can be developed in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. Granulomatous P. jirovecii pneumonia (GPCP) can occur in immunocompromised patients, but has rarely been reported in SOT recipients. The diagnosis of GPCP is difficult since the sensitivity of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage is low and atypical patterns are shown. A 60-year-old man, who had undergone renal transplantation 24 years ago presented with nodular and patchy lung lesions. He was asymptomatic and stable. After empirical treatment with a fluoroquinolone, the condition partially resolved but relapsed 4 months later. The pulmonary nodule was resected, and GPCP was confirmed. The pathogenesis of GPCP remains unclear, but in SOT recipients presenting with an atypical lung pattern, GPCP should be considered. This case was discussed at the Grand Clinical Ground of the Korean Society of Infectious Disease conference on November 3, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yae Jee Baek
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyeongmin Kim
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Da Nam
- Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongtak Jung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunjung Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Noh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Hyong Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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2
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Meyer AMJ, Sidler D, Hirzel C, Furrer H, Ebner L, Peters AA, Christe A, Huynh-Do U, Walti LN, Arampatzis S. Distinct Clinical and Laboratory Patterns of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Renal Transplant Recipients. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121072. [PMID: 34947054 PMCID: PMC8707918 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Late post-transplant Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) has been reported in many renal transplant recipients (RTRs) centers using universal prophylaxis. Specific features of PcP compared to other respiratory infections in the same population are not well reported. We analyzed clinical, laboratory, administrative and radiological data of all confirmed PcP cases between January 2009 and December 2014. To identify factors specifically associated with PcP, we compared clinical and laboratory data of RTRs with non-PcP. Over the study period, 36 cases of PcP were identified. Respiratory distress was more frequent in PcP compared to non-PcP (tachypnea: 59%, 20/34 vs. 25%, 13/53, p = 0.0014; dyspnea: 70%, 23/33 vs. 44%, 24/55, p = 0.0181). In contrast, fever was less frequent in PcP compared to non-PcP pneumonia (35%, 11/31 vs. 76%, 42/55, p = 0.0002). In both cohorts, total lymphocyte count and serum sodium decreased, whereas lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased at diagnosis. Serum calcium increased in PcP and decreased in non-PcP. In most PcP cases (58%, 21/36), no formal indication for restart of PcP prophylaxis could be identified. Potential transmission encounters, suggestive of interhuman transmission, were found in 14/36, 39% of patients. Interhuman transmission seems to contribute importantly to PcP among RTRs. Hypercalcemia, but not elevated LDH, was associated with PcP when compared to non-PcP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M. J. Meyer
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.M.J.M.); (D.S.); (U.H.-D.); (S.A.)
| | - Daniel Sidler
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.M.J.M.); (D.S.); (U.H.-D.); (S.A.)
| | - Cédric Hirzel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (C.H.); (H.F.)
| | - Hansjakob Furrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (C.H.); (H.F.)
| | - Lukas Ebner
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (L.E.); (A.A.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Alan A. Peters
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (L.E.); (A.A.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Andreas Christe
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (L.E.); (A.A.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Uyen Huynh-Do
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.M.J.M.); (D.S.); (U.H.-D.); (S.A.)
| | - Laura N. Walti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (C.H.); (H.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Spyridon Arampatzis
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.M.J.M.); (D.S.); (U.H.-D.); (S.A.)
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3
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Koymen G, Celtik A, Cinkooglu A, Toz S, Asci G, Arda B, Toz H, Erdinc M. New-Onset Hypercalcemia After Renal Transplant: An Infectious Etiology Beyond Persistent Hyperparathyroidism. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2021; 20:691-694. [PMID: 34142941 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2021.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is an opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients. It may be complicated by hypercalcemia. Here, we discuss a 59-year-old man who presented with respiratory symptoms and hypercalcemia. He had undergone a deceased donor kidney transplant 2 years previously. The patient had persistent hyperparathyroidism, but his serum calcium level was normal. At the time of admission, his serum calcium level had increased and his parathyroid hormone level was suppressed. He was diagnosed with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels returned to baseline values after treatment. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is an important infection that can present with hypercalcemia among kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorkem Koymen
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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4
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Giordani MC, Villamil Cortez SK, Diehl M, Barcan LA, Rosa-Diez G, Groppa SR, Schreck C, Mombelli C, Imperiali N. Hypercalcemia as an Early Finding of Opportunistic Fungal Pneumonia in Renal Transplantation: A Case Series Report. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:1178-1182. [PMID: 32340747 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumonia caused by opportunistic fungi is a serious complication in immunocompromised patients. Hypercalcemia has been described in renal transplantation associated with Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP) or Histoplasma capsulatum (HCP) pneumonia. METHODS We describe 5 patients who underwent kidney transplant between 2014 and 2019 and developed hypercalcemia before the diagnosis of pulmonary fungal infection: 4 patients with PJP and 1 with HCP. We assessed calcium metabolism and kidney function by total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, intact parathormone (iPTH), 25-OH vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, and serum creatinine levels. RESULTS Mean albumin-corrected calcium and ionized calcium were 12.56 mg/dL (range, 10.8-13.8 mg/dL) and 1.57 mmol/L (range, 1.43-1.69 mmol/L). Patients were normocalcemic, at 10.12 mg/dL (range, 9.6-10.5 mg/dL), before diagnosis and resolved hypercalcemia after antifungal treatment, at 8.86 mg/dL (range, 8.0-9.5 mg/dL). All patients had low or normal iPTH values, at 29.1 pg/mL (range, <3-44 pg/mL), with higher PTH levels 3 months before diagnosis and after treatment, at 147.3 pg/mL (range, 28.1-479 pg/mL) and 117.5 pg/mL (range, 18.2-245 pg/mL), respectively. The mean value for 25-OH vitamin D was 30.8 ng/mL (range, 14.6-62.8 ng/mL). This supports a PTH-independent mechanism, and we postulated an extrarenal production of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D. CONCLUSION In kidney transplant patients, hypercalcemia independent of PTH and refractory to treatment should alert for the possibility of opportunistic fungal pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cora Giordani
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | - María Diehl
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura A Barcan
- Department of Infectology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Rosa-Diez
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Rosana Groppa
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Schreck
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - César Mombelli
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora Imperiali
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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5
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Binet Q, Mairesse J, Vanthuyne M, Marot JC, Wieers G. Hypercalcemia Heralding Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in an HIV-Seronegative Patient with Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Mycopathologia 2019; 184:787-793. [PMID: 31729682 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-019-00397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening fungal infection occurring in immunocompromised patients such as HIV-positive patients with low CD4 cell count or patients under heavy immunosuppressive therapy. We report the case of a 59-year-old male with severe diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis presenting with asthenia, dry cough and worsening shortness of breath for the last 15 days. Biological studies were remarkable for PTH-independent severe hypercalcemia with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D and a paradoxically elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Early bronchoalveolar lavage allowed for PCP diagnosis and targeted treatment. We discuss the underlying physiopathology and difficulties regarding prophylaxis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Binet
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Clinique St-Pierre Ottignies, Avenue Reine Fabiola, 9, 1340, Ottignies, Belgium.
| | - Jacques Mairesse
- Division of Clinical Biology and Cytology, Clinique St-Pierre Ottignies, Ottignies, Belgium
| | - Marie Vanthuyne
- Division of Rheumatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Division of Rheumatology, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, Gilly, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marot
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Clinique St-Pierre Ottignies, Avenue Reine Fabiola, 9, 1340, Ottignies, Belgium
| | - Grégoire Wieers
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Clinique St-Pierre Ottignies, Avenue Reine Fabiola, 9, 1340, Ottignies, Belgium
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6
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Coche S, Cornet G, Morelle J, Labriola L, Kanaan N, Demoulin N. Hypercalcemia associated with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in renal transplant recipients: case report and literature review. Acta Clin Belg 2019; 76:75-78. [PMID: 31470765 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2019.1655233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii associated pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening opportunistic infection, occurring most frequently in the first year after renal transplantation, and may be associated with hypercalcemia. Clinical presentation:We report the case of a renal transplant recipient presenting with Pneumocystis jirovecii associated pneumonia and hypercalcemia due to ectopic production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 6 years after renal transplantation. Calcemia and 1-25 hydroxyvitamin D levels normalized after our patient was treated by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Discussion: We review similar cases to delineate the clinical and biological profile of patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia associated hypercalcemia. Conclusion:Physicians should evoke this diagnosis in renal transplant recipients presenting with pulmonary infection associated with hypercalcemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Coche
- Division of Nephrology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Georges Cornet
- Division of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Peltzer-La Tourelle , Verviers, Belgium
| | - Johann Morelle
- Division of Nephrology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Labriola
- Division of Nephrology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nada Kanaan
- Division of Nephrology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Demoulin
- Division of Nephrology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc , Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain , Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Hypercalcemia is common during Pneumocystis pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12508. [PMID: 31467367 PMCID: PMC6715728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49036-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A few cases of hypercalcemia related to Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) have previously been described, supposedly associated with an 1α-hydroxylase enzyme-dependent mechanism. The prevalence and significance of hypercalcemia in PJP remain unclear, especially in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) who frequently display hypercalcemia via persisting hyperparathyroidism. We here retrospectively identified all microbiologically-proven PJP in adult KTR from 2005 to 2017 in the Lille University Hospital, and studied the mineral and bone metabolism parameters during the peri-infectious period. Clinical features of PJP-patients were analyzed according to their serum calcium level. Hypercalcemia (12.6 ± 1.6 mg/dl) was observed in 37% (18/49) of PJP-patients and regressed concomitantly to specific anti-infectious treatment in all cases. No other cause of hypercalcemia was identified. In hypercalcemic patients, serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were high at the time of PJP-diagnosis and decreased after anti-infectious treatment (124 ± 62 versus 28 ± 23 pg/mL, p = 0.006) while PTH serum levels followed an inverse curve (35 ± 34 versus 137 ± 99 pg/mL, p = 0.009), suggesting together a granuloma-mediated mechanism. Febrile dyspnea was less frequent in hypercalcemic PJP-patients compared to non-hypercalcemic (29 versus 67%). In summary, hypercalcemia seems common during PJP in KTR. Unexplained hypercalcemia could thus lead to specific investigations in this particular population, even in the absence of infectious or respiratory symptoms.
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8
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Yau AA, Farouk SS. Severe hypercalcemia preceding a diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a liver transplant recipient. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:739. [PMID: 31438872 PMCID: PMC6704494 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Incidence of the opportunistic infection Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in solid organ transplant patients ranges from 5 to 15% with a mortality of up to 38%. Case presentation We present a liver transplant recipient who developed hypoxemic respiratory failure related to PJP soon after treatment for allograft rejection. His presentation was preceded by severe hypercalcemia of 14.6 mg/dL and an ionized calcium of 1.7 mmol/L which remained elevated despite usual medical management and eventually required renal replacement therapy. As approximately 5% of PJP cases have granulomas, here we review the role of pulmonary macrophages and inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology of granuloma-mediated hypercalcemia. We also discuss the interpretation of our patient’s laboratory studies, response to medical therapy, and clinical risk factors which predisposed him to PJP. Conclusions It is important for clinicians to consider PJP as an etiology of granulomatous pneumonia and non-parathyroid hormone mediated hypercalcemia in chronically immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients for timely diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Yau
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Samira S Farouk
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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9
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Taylor LN, Aesif SW, Matson KM. A case of Pneumocystis pneumonia, with a granulomatous response and vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia, presenting 13 years after renal transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13081. [PMID: 30892756 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia is an uncommon complication of Pneumocystis infection. A granulomatous response resulting from Pneumocystis infection is also atypical. In this report, we describe an exceptional case of granulomatous Pneumocystis pneumonia associated with vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia, in a patient who presented unusually late after renal transplantation. The patient's hypercalcemia resolved with treatment of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay N Taylor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Scott W Aesif
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kristine M Matson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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10
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Auron A, Alon US. Hypercalcemia: a consultant's approach. Pediatr Nephrol 2018; 33:1475-1488. [PMID: 28879535 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-017-3788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Due to their daily involvement in mineral metabolism, nephrologists are often asked to consult on children with hypercalcemia. This might become even more pertinent when the hypercalcemia is associated with acute kidney injury and/or hypercalciuria and renal calcifications. The best way to assess the severity of hypercalcemia is by measurement of plasma ionized calcium, and if not available by adjusting serum total calcium to albumin concentration. The differential diagnosis of the possible etiologies of the disturbance in the mineral homeostasis starts with the assessment of serum parathyroid hormone concentration, followed by that of vitamin D metabolites in search of both genetic and acquired etiologies. Several tools are available to acutely treat hypercalcemia with the current main components being fluids, loop diuretics, and antiresorptive agents. This review will address the pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment modalities involved in hypercalcemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Auron
- Bone and Mineral Disorders Clinic, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Uri S Alon
- Bone and Mineral Disorders Clinic, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
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11
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Mascia G, Argiolas D, Carta E, Michittu MB, Piredda GB. Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Hypercalcemia in a Kidney Transplant Patient With Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2018; 51:220-222. [PMID: 30736974 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent hyperparathyroidism is one of the main causes of hypercalcemia following kidney transplantation; differential diagnosis is required. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a 61-year-old kidney transplant recipient who underwent transplant in September 2016. She was admitted in March 2017 presenting with a 3-week history of asthenia, hypotension, and cough. Laboratory analysis showed acute kidney injury with hypercalcemia and elevation of inflammatory markers. She was initially treated with hydration therapy. A few days after admission she developed respiratory failure: chest computed tomography showed a ground-glass pattern. A diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii was made on bronchoalveolar lavage. A subsequent graft biopsy was performed that revealed intratubular calcium deposition without signs of rejection. The patient was given trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, with improvement in pulmonary and renal function as well as improvement in hypercalcemia. CONCLUSIONS P jirovecii infection can trigger activation of intra-alveolar macrophages that leads to extrarenal vitamin D production with subsequent hypercalcemia. This rare event should be considered in renal transplant patients with pulmonary infection accompanied by hypercalcemia. In our case, hypercalcemia also provoked acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mascia
- Renal Transplant Unit, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - D Argiolas
- Renal Transplant Unit, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - E Carta
- Renal Transplant Unit, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - M B Michittu
- Renal Transplant Unit, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G B Piredda
- Renal Transplant Unit, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
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12
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Ling J, Anderson T, Warren S, Kirkland G, Jose M, Yu R, Yew S, Mcfadyen S, Graver A, Johnson W, Jeffs L. Hypercalcaemia preceding diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in renal transplant recipients. Clin Kidney J 2017; 10:845-851. [PMID: 29225815 PMCID: PMC5716089 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfx044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overall incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in solid organ transplant recipients is 5-15%. A timely diagnosis of PJP is difficult and relies on imaging and detection of the organism. METHODS We present a case series of four patients displaying hypercalcaemia with an eventual diagnosis of PJP and document the management of the outbreak with a multidisciplinary team approach. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology and previous reports of hypercalcaemia preceding a diagnosis of PJP. We also reviewed the evidence concerning PJP diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS Within our renal transplant cohort, four patients presented within 7 months with hypercalcaemia followed by an eventual diagnosis of PJP. We measured their corrected calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D] levels at admission and following treatment of PJP. All four patients diagnosed with PJP were 4-20 years post-transplantation. Three of the four patients demonstrated PTH-independent hypercalcaemia (corrected calcium >3.0 mmol/L). The presence of high 1,25(OH)2D3 and low 25(OH)D levels suggest negation of the negative feedback mechanism possibly due to an extrarenal source; in this case, the alveolar macrophages. All four patients had resolution of their hypercalcaemia after treatment of PJP. CONCLUSIONS Given the outbreak of PJP in our renal transplant cohort, and based on previous experience from other units nationally, we implemented cohort-wide prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole for 12 months in consultation with our local infectious diseases unit. Within this period there have been no further local cases of PJP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ling
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tara Anderson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sanchia Warren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Kirkland
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Matthew Jose
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Richard Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Steven Yew
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Samantha Mcfadyen
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alison Graver
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - William Johnson
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lisa Jeffs
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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13
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Penhouët M, Delbove A, Danner Boucher I, Garandeau C, Magnan A, Blanc F. Hypercalcémie réfractaire révélatrice d’une pneumocystose chez une patiente transplantée bi-pulmonaire. Rev Mal Respir 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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VanSickle JS, Srivastava T, Alon US. Life-Threatening Hypercalcemia During Prodrome of Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia in an Immunocompetent Infant. Glob Pediatr Health 2017; 4:2333794X17705955. [PMID: 28516132 PMCID: PMC5419064 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x17705955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe hypercalcemia in infants is usually attributed to genetic etiologies and less commonly to acquired ones. An 8-week-old girl presented with failure to thrive, mild respiratory distress, and life-threatening hypercalcemia (23.5 mg/dL). Serum 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D (1,25(OH)2-D) level was elevated and parathyroid hormone undetectable. Evaluation for genetic mutations and malignant etiologies of hypercalcemia was negative. Treatment with intravenous hydration, loop diuretic, and calcitonin failed to correct the hypercalcemia, which was subsequently controlled with bisphosphonate therapy. Due to progressive respiratory deterioration, a bronchopulmonary lavage was done on day 17 of her hospitalization disclosing Pneumocystis jiroveci infection. The subsequent immunological investigation showed no abnormalities. She was treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resulting in gradual clearing of her lungs and normalization of serum 1,25(OH)2-D level. A year later, she remains healthy with normal biochemical parameters of mineral metabolism. We conclude that in a child with hypercalcemia with suppressed parathyroid hormone and elevated 1,25(OH)2-D, once the genetic etiology for elevated 1,25(OH)2-D and malignancy are ruled out, one should investigate closely for a chronic granulomatous disease. Among the latter Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia infection should be considered even in an immunocompetent child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarak Srivastava
- Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri at Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Uri S Alon
- Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri at Kansas City, MO, USA
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Ramalho J, Bacelar Marques ID, Aguirre AR, Pierrotti LC, de Paula FJ, Nahas WC, David-Neto E. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia with an atypical granulomatous response after kidney transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2014; 16:315-9. [PMID: 24621124 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Granulomatous PCP is an unusual histological presentation that has been described in a variety of immunosuppressive conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between granulomatous disorders and hypercalcemia, the purported mechanism of which is extrarenal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D by activated macrophages. Here, we report a case of granulomatous formation in a kidney transplant recipient with PCP who presented with hypercalcemia and suppressed parathyroid hormone, both of which resolved after successful treatment of the pneumonia. In immunocompromised patients, pulmonary infection associated with hypercalcemia should raise the suspicion of PCP and other granulomatous disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ramalho
- Nephrology Division, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
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16
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Chatzikyrkou C, Clajus C, Haubitz M, Hafer C. Hypercalcemia and pneumocystis Pneumonia after kidney transplantation: report of an exceptional case and literature review. Transpl Infect Dis 2011; 13:496-500. [PMID: 21414118 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2011.00623.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii remains an important pathogen in solid organ transplant recipients. Although the overall incidence may be decreasing, after the adoption of effective prophylactic measures, the risk has not been abolished, and pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) can be observed even many years after successful transplantation. Hypercalcemia develops frequently after renal transplantation and is commonly associated with preexisting secondary hyperparathyroidism. But the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia occurring later in the course of transplantation may be different, and other disease states, such as malignancy and opportunistic infections, must be considered. Hypercalcemia in conjunction with PCP is being increasingly reported in renal transplant patients. In all the cases, respiratory symptoms were prominent, hypercalcemia was of mild-to-moderate severity, parathyroid hormone concentration was decreased, and 1,25(OH)(2) D levels were extraordinarily or inappropriately high. We report the first case to our knowledge of severe hypercalcemia accompanying PCP, in a patient with previous total parathyroidectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chatzikyrkou
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Bency R, Roger SD, Elder GJ. Hypercalcaemia as a prodromal feature of indolent Pneumocystis jivorecii after renal transplantation. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2011; 26:1740-2. [PMID: 21378150 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfr051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Following renal transplantation, hypercalcaemia is frequently caused by persisting hyperparathyroidism. Unregulated extrarenal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D) synthesis, which is well recognized as a cause of hypercalcaemia in granulomatous diseases, may also occur after kidney transplantation. This mechanism is also likely to be responsible for hypercalcaemia reported during treatment of cytomegalovirus and associated with acute symptomatic pneumocystis jivorecii pneumonia (PCP). Hypercalcaemia as a prodromal feature of indolent PCP has not been described. We report a renal transplant recipient who developed hypercalcaemia 30 months post-transplant due to extrarenal production of 1,25(OH)(2)D. Two months later, PCP was diagnosed and hypercalcaemia resolved after initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamma Bency
- Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
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