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Hypercalcemia and abnormal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations in leprosy
1Department of Internal Medicine, Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center.
The American Journal of Medicine
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Leprosy patients with hypercalcemia showed suppressed parathyroid hormone and abnormal vitamin D levels. Prednisone therapy resolved high calcium, suggesting a role for vitamin D in leprosy-associated hypercalcemia.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Metabolic Bone Disease
Background:
- Leprosy, particularly the lepromatous form, can present with complex metabolic disturbances.
- Hypercalcemia is a rare but significant complication that requires understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
Observation:
- Two patients with lepromatous leprosy and hypercalcemia were studied.
- Serum parathyroid hormone and urinary cyclic adenosine monophosphate were suppressed.
- Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was elevated in one patient and normal in another.
Findings:
- Both patients exhibited slightly elevated urinary hydroxyproline excretion.
- Hypercalcemia resolved effectively with prednisone treatment.
- Abnormalities in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production or metabolism are implicated in the hypercalcemia pathogenesis.
Implications:
- This suggests a potential link between vitamin D dysregulation and hypercalcemia in leprosy.
- Further research into the role of vitamin D in leprosy complications is warranted.
- Prednisone may be a therapeutic option for managing hypercalcemia in these patients.