Aims
Hypophosphataemia and hypocalcaemia are complications of both parenteral iron and denosumab (Dmab), respectively, with critical electrolyte disturbance described when co-administered1. Ferric derisomaltose (FDM) has lower risk of electrolyte derangement compared to other parenteral iron preparations2, however there is limited data when FDM and Dmab are co-administered. We aimed to evaluate rates of hypocalcaemia/hypophosphatemia, and management, following administration of FDM, Dmab and FDM+Dmab.
Methods
Adults who received FDM or Dmab between May 2024-January 2025 at Western Health were included. Demographic data, co-morbidities, biochemistry and requirements for electrolyte replacement at baseline and post-treatment were collected. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square testing and Student’s T-testing.
Results
287 cases were identified (30 FDM, 227 Dmab, 30 FDM+Dmab). Age and female sex were similar across groups. A significant difference in CKD Stage 4/5 (FDM=28%; Dmab=7%; FDM+Dmab=26%; p=0.009), and vitamin D deficiency (FDM=22%; Dmab=1%; FDM+Dmab=7%; p=0.0004) was seen across groups.
Biochemistry were available for 198, and 49 experienced hypocalcaemia/hypophosphatemia (0/18 FDM; 42/153 Dmab; 7/27 FDM+Dmab). Hyposphosphataemia rate was significantly higher in the FDM+Dmab vs FDM monotherapy group (26% vs 0%, p=0.04). Whilst hypophosphataemia occurred in 15% of the Dmab group, this was not significantly different to the FDM or FDM+Dmab groups (all p-values>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in hypocalcaemia rate across groups. Importantly, a significantly higher intravenous electrolyte replacement rate was identified in the FDM+Dmab group compared to the Dmab group (57.1% vs 7.1%; p=0.007).
Conclusion
Although we did not observe electrolyte disturbance with FDM monotherapy, we observed higher rates of hypophosphataemia and intravenous electrolyte replacement requirements in the FDM+Dmab group, suggesting clinically significant electrolyte derangement may occur when both agents are co-administered. Larger cohort studies with sufficient power are required to confirm these findings.