Immobilization hypercalcemia in an adult patient with pancreatitis and sepsis: case report

We describe an adult patient who developed persistent hypercalcemia while bedridden for more than three months with pancreatitis and sepsis. On the basis of hypercalciuria, suppressed serum intact PTH, suppressed serum 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 and no clinical evidence of malignancy, the diagnosis of immobilization hypercalcemia was established His hypercalcemia improved during treatment with saline, calcitonin and/or etidronate. With active mobilization and weight-bearing exercises, serum calcium finally normalized. We discuss clinical and laboratory features as well as current modalities of treatment of this rare form of hypercalcemia in adults.