Paraprotein-induced spurious hypercalcaemia: diagnostic pitfalls in two cases.
Lorde, Nathan Pratt, Guy Geberhiwot, Tarekegn Ayuk, John Gittoes, Neil
Lorde, Nathan
Pratt, Guy
Geberhiwot, Tarekegn
Ayuk, John
Gittoes, Neil
Affiliation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; University of Birmingham
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Publication date
2025-07-31
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Abstract
This brief report describes 2 cases in which paraprotein caused spurious biochemistry results. In both cases standard laboratory measurements of calcium indicated the patients were hypercalcaemic and had significantly raised Vitamin D concentrations in serum. However, use of alternative measurements of calcium and vitamin D showed that these results were spurious. Clinicians looking after patients with significant paraprotein concentrations or other significant protein abnormalities should be aware of the possibility of assay interference when reviewing their biochemistry results. This awareness can be vital in avoiding unnecessary investigations or treatments, thus not only saving resources but also protecting patients from harm that may be caused by inappropriate therapies.
Citation
Lorde N, Pratt G, Geberhiwot T, Ayuk J, Gittoes N. Paraprotein-induced spurious hypercalcaemia: diagnostic pitfalls in two cases. Eur J Endocrinol. 2025 Jul 31;193(2):K1-K4. doi: 10.1093/ejendo/lvaf151.
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Report