Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
07:45
Severe Burn Injury in a Swine Model for Clinical Dressing Assessment
Published on: November 6, 2018
9.8K
Vitamin A-Induced Hypercalcemia in Burn Patients: A Case Study
Ferris Zeitouni1, Christina Zhu1, Alan Pang1
1Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
Summary
Vitamin A supplementation in severe burn patients can lead to hypercalcemia. Monitoring vitamin A and calcium levels is crucial to prevent adverse effects during recovery.
Area of Science:
- Burn injury management
- Nutritional support in critical care
Background:
- Severe burn injuries often require supplementation with vitamins and steroids like oxandrolone to aid recovery.
- Vitamin A is frequently administered alongside steroids due to its beneficial effects on wound healing.
Observation:
- A case study of an 18-year-old male with extensive burns who received standard vitamin supplementation, including Vitamin A.
- Elevated serum calcium levels were observed on hospital day 33, reaching 13 mg/dL.
- Normal parathyroid hormone, vitamin D levels, and urine calcium excretion were noted, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- Significantly elevated Vitamin A levels (93 mcg/dL) were identified as the cause of hypercalcemia.
- Discontinuation of Vitamin A supplementation led to normalization of serum calcium levels.
- This case links asymptomatic hypercalcemia in burn patients to Vitamin A overdose, even with normal parathyroid and vitamin D workups.
Implications:
- Highlights the need to monitor both serum calcium and Vitamin A levels in burn patients receiving supplementation.
- Suggests Vitamin A overdose should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia in this population.
- Emphasizes the importance of careful dosing and monitoring of Vitamin A to prevent potential toxicity and negative health outcomes during burn recovery.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
01:22Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
Management of renal calculi focuses on effective strategies like tailored nutrition and hydration therapy. Adjusting diet and fluid intake reduces stone formation and recurrence, making these interventions simple yet powerful in kidney stone prevention and management.Understanding Kidney StonesKidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine concentrate and crystallize in urine. Factors contributing to their formation include genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions,...