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The continuing risk of vitamin-D intoxication
Lancet (London, England)
|September 16, 1978
Summary
Vitamin D poisoning can occur from unnecessary therapy or overdosage due to poor supervision. Careful monitoring and strict indications are crucial for high-dose vitamin D use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Vitamin D is essential for bone health and calcium homeostasis.
- High-dose vitamin D therapy is sometimes prescribed for specific conditions.
- Potential for toxicity exists with excessive vitamin D intake.
Observation:
- Eight cases of vitamin D poisoning were reviewed.
- In six cases, vitamin D therapy was deemed unnecessary.
- In two cases, overdosage resulted from inadequate treatment supervision.
Findings:
- Five patients had unknown or unappreciated vitamin D therapy history.
- Three surgical procedures of questionable value were performed on two patients.
- Vitamin D poisoning led to significant clinical complications.
Implications:
- High-dose vitamin D should only be administered when strictly indicated.
- Close biochemical and clinical monitoring is essential during vitamin D therapy.
- Physicians must be aware of potential vitamin D toxicity and iatrogenic complications.