Mechanisms of acute hypercalcemia in pediatric patients following the interruption of Denosumab

• Published in: Journal of endocrinological investigation Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 159 - 166
• Main Authors: Deodati, A., Fintini, D., Levtchenko, E., Rossi, M., Ubertini, G., Segers, H., Battafarano, G., Cappa, M., Del Fattore, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.01.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bisphosphonates; Bone loss; CD11b antigen; CD14 antigen; CD16 antigen; Endocrinology; Hemopoiesis; Hypercalcemia; Internal Medicine; Leukocytes (mononuclear); Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolic Diseases; Original Article; Osteoclastogenesis; Osteoprogenitor cells; Patients; Pediatrics; Peripheral blood mononuclear cells; TRANCE protein; Hypercalcemia; Osteoclast precursor; Osteoclast; Denosumab
• ISSN: 1720-8386; 0391-4097; 1720-8386
• DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01630-4

Purpose Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal anti-RANK-L antibody that is clinically used to counteract the bone loss induced by exacerbated osteoclast activity. Indeed, its binding to RANK-L prevents the interaction RANK-L/receptor RANK that is essential for osteoclastogenesis and bone resorbing activity. Although there are many medications available to treat bone loss diseases, including bisphosphonates, Denosumab is highly effective since it reduces the bone erosion. The use in pediatric patients is safe. However, some concerns are related to the interruption of the treatment. Indeed, in this study, we reported hypercalcemia in two pediatric patients and alterations of circulating osteoclast precursors. Methods Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) were isolated from two pediatric patients with hypercalcemia after Denosumab interruption and from 10 controls. Cytofluorimetric analysis and in vitro osteoclastogenesis experiments were performed. Results Increase of CD16 − CD14 + CD11b + cells was revealed in PBMC from patients reflecting the enhanced in vitro osteoclastogenesis. Conclusion Our data suggest that precautions must be taken when Denosumab therapy is interrupted and gradual decrease of dose and/or timing of treatment should be performed. To prevent the onset of hypercalcemia that could be in the discontinuation phase, cytofluorimetric analysis of PBMC should be performed to evaluate osteoclast precursors.