Factors Related to Hypocalcemia in human Brucellosis: a retrospective review

Abstract Background. In recent years, some severe complications of brucellosis have been raised many researchers’concern. Hypocalcemia, which is commonly seen in serious infectious diseases, such as sepsis, severe bacterial pneumonia and AIDS, has been reported less in Brucellosis. To our knowledge, serious consequences would be caused by hypocalcemia. Some studies have provided evidence of high serum calcium levels in patients with brucellosis , but few studies have reported the incidence and impact of brucellosis hypocalcemia,except for one case of rifampic-associated hypocalcemia. Objective . To summarize the clinical and epidemiological characteristics , to explore the influence of hypocalcemia on brucellosis.In addition, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rifampicin in the treatment of brucellosis and secondary hypocalcemia, so as to provide clinical guidance. Methods . A retrospective study was carried out to review the records of 572 brucellosis patients from January 2015 to December 2016 of a hospital in shenyang, liaoning province, China.Patients were divided into three groups according to the serum calcium level, one group of 102 patients was hypocalcemia ,one group of 442 patients was normal corrected calcium and the other group of 28 patients was hypercalcemia. Results . The history of administration of rifampicin（OR=2.098, 95%CI=1.145~3.844）and tetracycline（OR=2.105, 95%CI=1.266~3.501）are the related factors of hypocalcemia. Conclusions . Further evaluation in randomized clinical trials of the indicative role of hypocalcimia is needed to be followed up.Provide evidence for the risk factors of hypocalcemia in brucellosis patients with the history of rifampicin administration.