Guillaud P, Vest P, Billhot M, Doutrelon C, Hejl C. [A e-Hypercalcemia].
Rev Med Interne 2024;
45:142-146. [PMID:
38228453 DOI:
10.1016/j.revmed.2024.01.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Hypercalcemia is a common biological abnormality. The etiologies are mainly represented by hyperparathyroidism and neoplastic causes. The other causes, including poisoning, are rare, but should not be neglected.
OBSERVATION
An 82-year-old female patient presented to the emergency room for repeated falls at home, confusion, drowsiness and digestive symptoms. The initial assessment showed hypercalcemia above 3mmol/L. The etiological exploration revealed a very high concentration of 25OH-vitamin D. After repeated interrogations, it appeared that the cause of this intoxication was the intake of a food supplement purchased on the internet, following a prescription from her dentist.
CONCLUSION
Intoxication due to a food supplement containing vitamin D is possible and potentially serious. Raising the awareness of patients and healthcare professionals is necessary in order to prevent this type of poisoning and/or to diagnose it as soon as possible.
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