Vitamin D toxicity due to self-prescription: A case report

Abstract

Apart from maintaining healthy bones, vitamin D is also required for cell differentiation, cell growth inhibition, and immune modulation. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the Indian subcontinent. Vitamin D presenting toxicity, leading to hypercalcemia, acute kidney injury, and altered sensorium is very rare. Here we present a case of a 65-year-old man who presented to emergency with persistent vomiting, altered sensorium, and acute kidney injury. The cause of which was an unchecked intake of vitamin D for non-specific musculoskeletal pain. When treated with intravenous fluid, diuretics, calcitonin, and steroids, the patient improved clinically. Therefore, for any patient presenting with persistent vomiting, altered sensorium, and hypercalcemia, with normal to low parathyroid hormone levels, a diagnosis of an overdose of vitamin D should be considered. Early treatment of this condition not only improves the symptoms but also prevents further kidney damage.

Keywords

• acute kidney injury
• altered sensorium
• hypercalcemia
• pth
• vitamin d toxicity