HYPERCALCEMIA IN AN AIDS PATIENT TREATED WITH GROWTH-HORMONE

Method: Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a newly approved tr eatment for weight loss and wasting in patients with AIDS. We report a male patient with advanced AIDS who developed hypercalcemia 2 weeks a fter institution of rhGH therapy. Results: Parathyroid hormone, parath yroid hormone-related peptide and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels were suppressed, suggesting that hypercalcemia was mediated through alterna tive mechanisms. The hypercalcemia responded to discontinuation of rhG H and a single dose of intravenous pamidronate disodium and has not re curred in 8 months of follow-up. Conclusion: We believe this to be the first reported case of rhGH-induced hypercalcemia in an HIV-infected patient.