Students Research in Progress
Saturday, November 11, 2023
11:30 AM–01:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Hypercalcemia occurs in approximately 44% of patients with late-stage malignancies. Therapeutic approaches include intravenous hydration, calcitonin, bisphosphonates, and denosumab. The decision to treat is based in part on serum calcium. Due to calcium binding with albumin, decreased serum albumin can falsely lower serum calcium on laboratory measurement, necessitating correction. Literature exists for multiple formulas to correct calcium for serum albumin, though current guidelines and clinical practice typically utilize the Payne formula. Data is lacking to support one particular equation as the gold standard for correction.
Research Question or Hypothesis: Is there a difference in indication for treatment in hypercalcemia of malignancy if alternative formulas are used to calculate corrected calcium?
Study Design: Retrospective data analysis using the MIMIC-IV database.
Methods: Adults (18-89 years) with confirmed malignancies and documented calcium and albumin levels will be identified using ICD-9 & 10 codes and receipt of treatment for hypercalcemia of malignancy with either zoledronic acid, pamidronate, or denosumab. The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate the impact of formula selection on the decision to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy. The secondary outcome is to examine the relationship between calcium and albumin levels, the correlation between total and ionized calcium, and the influence of varying severities of malignancies on these parameters. Deidentified patient data will be analyzed via Stata; descriptive statistics will be used for baseline characteristics, and chi-square or Fisher’s exact, as appropriate, will be used to evaluate the primary and secondary outcomes.
Results: Research in progress.
Conclusion: Research in progress.
Presenting Author
Som Bahadory PharmD CandidateTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Authors
Jacob Awkal PharmD Candidate
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy
Ashley Selby PharmD
Chris Selby PharmD
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy