Exploration of factors affecting denosumab-induced hypocalcemia in male patients with osteoporosis using a hospital-based administrative claims database

Objectives: Factors affecting denosumab-induced hypocalcemia in male patients with osteoporosis remain unclear because of the small patient population. Nevertheless, it is important to explore male-specific risk factors. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the development of denosumab-induced hypocalcemia in male patients with osteoporosis and compare them with those in female patients with osteoporosis.

Study design: This retrospective, observational study used data from a hospital-based administrative claims database. Patients with osteoporosis undergoing denosumab treatment between April 2008 and May 2020 were enrolled. Data on age, inpatient/outpatient status, laboratory data, drug use, and disease status were collected.

Main outcome measures: Patients were classified as those with hypocalcemia and without hypocalcemia, and variables with P < 0.2 and missing proportions <30 % on univariate analysis were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis. The multiple imputation method was used to compensate for missing data.

Results: Overall, 175 males and 1335 females were included in the analysis, and hypocalcemia developed in 52 and 247 patients, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, prior use of preventive medicine (calcium supplements or activated vitamin D) decreased the risk of osteoporosis only in male patients. Low corrected levels of calcium and albumin and low estimated glomerular filtration rates increased the risk in both sexes.

Conclusions: Prior use of preventive medicine may be a factor that decreases the risk of denosumab-induced hypocalcemia in male patients. Low corrected levels of calcium and albumin, and low estimated glomerular filtration rates are common risk factors in both male and female patients.