Successful treatment of calciphylaxis with bisphosphonates in kidney transplant recipients suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism: A report of two cases

Abstract

Background: The optimal management of calciphylaxis in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is uncertain. Case presentation: We report 2 cases of refractory calciphylaxis in KTRs who suffered from persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism. They failed initial therapy with sodium thiosulphate but responded to treatment with bisphosphonates. No adverse events were noted with bisphosphonate therapy. Conclusion: Bisphosphonates appear to be an effective therapy for KTRs with calciphylaxis who cannot tolerate or respond poorly to STS, particularly if they have persistent hyperparathyroidism post-transplantation.

Keywords

• Kidney transplantation
• Calciphylaxis
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Bisphosphonate