Hyperphosphatemia in a patient with spinal cord injury who received etidronate for the treatment of heterotopic ossiﬁcation

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2017 · DOI: 10.1038/scsandc.2017.32 · Published: June 8, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of bone in soft tissues around joints, commonly occurring after spinal cord injury (SCI). Bisphosphonates are often used to manage HO. This case report describes a patient with SCI who developed hyperphosphatemia, a rare complication, after being treated with etidronate, a type of bisphosphonate, for HO. The patient's phosphate levels returned to normal after etidronate was stopped, suggesting a link between the medication and the elevated phosphate levels.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

A 27-year-old male patient with T10 ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A SCI

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
A patient with SCI developed hyperphosphatemia during etidronate treatment for HO.
2
The hyperphosphatemia resolved after etidronate was discontinued.
3
Hyperphosphatemia, although rare and usually asymptomatic, should be monitored in SCI patients receiving etidronate.

Research Summary

This case report presents a 27-year-old male with a T10 ASIA Impairment Scale A spinal cord injury who developed hyperphosphatemia as a complication of etidronate therapy for heterotopic ossification. The patient's phosphate levels increased after starting etidronate and returned to normal after the medication was stopped. The authors suggest that clinicians should be aware of this potential complication and monitor phosphate levels in SCI patients treated with etidronate.

Practical Implications

Monitoring Phosphate Levels

Closely monitor blood phosphate levels in SCI patients during etidronate treatment, especially in the early weeks.

Awareness of Hyperphosphatemia

Be aware of hyperphosphatemia as a potential complication of etidronate use for HO in SCI patients.

Alternative Treatments

Consider alternative treatments or closer monitoring for patients at higher risk of hyperphosphatemia.

Hyperphosphatemia in a patient with spinal cord injury who received etidronate for the treatment of heterotopic ossiﬁcation

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Monitoring Phosphate Levels

Awareness of Hyperphosphatemia

Alternative Treatments

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Hyperphosphatemia in a patient with spinal cord injury who received etidronate for the treatment of heterotopic ossiﬁcation

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Monitoring Phosphate Levels

Awareness of Hyperphosphatemia

Alternative Treatments

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?