Causes of hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is most commonly seen in normal infants as the result of normal rapid bone growth. The most common causative diseases are malignant disease and hyperparathyroidism. A variety of pharmacologic agents, especially vitamin D and its metabolites and thiazide diuretics, can elevate serum calcium levels. Hypersensitivity to vitamin D appears to be a cause of hypercalcemia in infants and in patients with granulomatous disease, such as sarcoidosis. Ingestion of escessive amounts of calcium, especially with alkali, may also cause hypercalcemia, as may prolonged immobilization, particularly under conditions of rapid bone turnover.