Abstract
The beneficial effects of vitamin D3 treatment are known, and its side effects are documented. In connection with the case presentation, we would like to sum up the dangers of excessive vitamin D supplementation, and to draw attention to the shortcomings experienced in everyday medical practice. We discuss the tests required to create a diagnosis of vitamin D intoxication, the differential diagnosis, and present the possible treatment strategies. A 57-year-old female patient was admitted to hospital in November 2020 due to complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and general weakness. Upon admission, laboratory tests confirmed new-onset kidney damage (eGFR 38 mL/min/1.73 m2), calcium metabolism was not checked. During non-invasive investigations, urinary sediment results showed leukocyturia and non-nephrotic proteinuria, but no clear underlying cause was found. Nephrology consultation suggested acute tubular injury, kidney biopsy was performed, immune serology and serum protein electrophoresis tests were ordered. Despite conservative treatment, her kidney function deteriorated further (eGFR 32 mL/d/1.73 m2). The patient arrived at our department in December 2020 with histological results in progress. Laboratory tests taken on arrival confirmed severe hypercalcemia (tCa 3.22 mmol/L, iCa 1.74 mmol/L), and kidney function was stable (eGFR 33 mL/p/1.73 m2). Intact parathyroid hormone level was below the normal range (0.54 pmol/L), 25-OH-vitamin D level was extremely high (1106.2 nmol/L). The patient then admitted that in October 2020, she received a course of "megadose" parenteral vitamin D, but she could not recall the exact dosage nor wanted to mention the department administering the treatment. We diagnosed vitamin D intoxication. Intravenous saline, furosemide and calcitonin treatment was started. The result of the treatment: serum calcium level normalized (2.52 mmol/L), and kidney functions improved (eGFR 54 mL/p/1.73 m2). Vitamin D treatment was stopped. The patients' serum tCa and vitamin D levels normalized by February 2021, and her kidney functions improved (tCa 2.54 mmol/L, 25-OH-vitamin D 125.0 ng/mL, eGFR 72 mL/p/1.73 m2). Kidney biopsy confirmed the presence of acute tubular necrosis. Granulomatous diseases and multiple myeloma were excluded. The symptoms of vitamin D intoxication are non-specific and varied, each case presents a differential diagnostic challenge. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(47): 1871-1876.
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