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Vitamin D intoxication in two brothers: be careful with dietary supplements

  • Giovanni Conti EMAIL logo , Valeria Chirico , Antonio Lacquaniti , Lorena Silipigni , Claudia Fede , Agata Vitale and Carmelo Fede
Published/Copyright: March 26, 2014

Abstract

Vitamin D (VitD) intoxication, a well-known cause of hypercalcaemia in children, has renal, cardiac and neurological consequences. Iatrogenic or accidental administrations are the most common causes. We present two cases of hypervitaminosis D due to over-the-counter VitD supplement self-medication. A 12-year-old boy was hospitalised for abdominal pain, constipation and vomiting. Routine biochemistry indicated severe hypercalcaemia and renal failure. Plasma 25-OH VitD level was very high and parathyroid hormone was suppressed. Renal ultrasound showed nephrolithiasis. Hydration, diuretics and prednisone induced a progressive reduction of calcium levels. His brother, who was receiving the same treatment, was hospitalised although asymptomatic. Normal serum calcium and renal function were revealed, while 25-OH VitD was high and parathyroid hormone was suppressed. Renal ultrasound was within the normal range. Examination of the VitD content of the over-the-counter supplement revealed a higher amount than declared. VitD administration implies several risks and must be prescribed only when needed and under strict medical control.


Corresponding author: Giovanni Conti, Paediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology Unit, Viale Gazzi, 98125 Messina, Italy, Phone: +39 090 2217046, Fax: +390902217029, E-mail:

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Received: 2013-6-1
Accepted: 2014-2-18
Published Online: 2014-3-26
Published in Print: 2014-7-1

©2014 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston

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