Use of pamidronate in the management of acute cancer-related hypercalcemia in children

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Abstract
To determine whether pamidronate is a safe and effective agent for the treatment of severe hypercalcemia of malignancy in children. A retrospective review of the charts of five children treated with pamidronate 1–2 mg/kg for severe, refractory hypercalcemia of malignancy. All children failed conventional therapy. Statistical analysis was done utilizing the two-tailed Student's t-test. All five children had complete resolution of their hypercalcemia in a predictable pattern within 24–48 hours. The average decrease in serum calcium was 1.63 mmol/L(6.54 mg/dl). (P < .01) The adverse effects were mild and transient, and consisted of hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia. Pamidronate at a dose of 1 mg/kg is a safe and effective treatment for severe, refractory hypercalcemia of malignancy in children. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 30:117–121, 1998.