Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration--a new treatment in hypercalcemic crisis.

A case of hypercalcemic crisis, with accompanying anuria, due to recurrence of a parathyroid carcinoma and unresponsive to conventional medical treatment, was treated with continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH). A maximum of 24 mmol of calcium was removed per 24 h by CAVH and serum calcium was temporarily normalized. Rising values during continued treatment necessitated acute parathyroidectomy. CAVH may represent a new treatment in hypercalcemic crisis, unresponsive to medical treatment.