[Serum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in cases of osteomalacia, parathyroid dysfunction and idiopathic...

1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D) is the active metabolite of vitamin D and has an essential role in bony metabolism on the regulation of the calcium-phosphorus balance. The circulating level of 1,2(OH)2 D is normally between 25 and 45 pg/ml. Isolation of the fraction to be titrated requires sophisticated purification techniques using high performance chromatography (HPLC). In osteomalacia secondary to a deficiency the mean level of 1,25(OH)2 D is low (14.1 +/- 6.9 pg/ml) because of substratum deficiency. Administration of vitamin D supplements is quickly followed by a supraphysiological increase of the level of active metabolite. The role of the parathyroid hormone on the activity of 1-hydroxylase is illustrated by the results of the titration in parathyroid dysfunctions: decrease of the mean level in hypoparathyroidism (18 +/- 6.9 pg/ml), and on the contrary, a significant increase in hyperparathyroidism (56.6 +/- 15.4 pg/ml) despite of a spread of the individual values. In 18 cases of idiopathic hypercalciuria, we have only observed an increase of 1,25(OH)2 D level, in two cases. Titration of 1,25(OH)2 D complements the calcium-phosphorus evaluation to precise the physiopathogenic mechanism of the disorders observed in various diseases. Its interpretation requires the joint measurement of the substratum level, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and the evaluation of the parathyroid function.