Login / Signup

Severe Hypercalcemia due to Hypervitaminosis D in a Breastfed Infant.

Julie R BarzilayRaymond J KreienkampRebecca J Gordon
Published in: JCEM case reports (2023)
Vitamin D is one of the most commonly recommended dietary supplements and is often the first medication ever prescribed in infancy. However, with the variety of concentrations available, including many over-the-counter formulations, dosing errors can easily occur. We present a case of a breastfed infant with a calcium level greater than 23 mg/dL (5.75 mmol/L), whose severe hypercalcemia was due to hypervitaminosis D from accidentally overdosed vitamin D supplementation. We consider the differential diagnosis for her presentation and review the interventions required for treatment of her hypercalcemia. Notably, we reinforce the importance of carefully reviewing dosing of vitamin D supplementation with families. We also discuss the management of hypercalcemia, including the role of fluids, diuretics, and glucocorticoids, as well as the long-term sequalae of severe hypercalcemia.
Keyphrases
  • early onset
  • physical activity
  • adverse drug
  • healthcare
  • drug induced
  • emergency department
  • patient safety
  • body mass index
  • combination therapy
  • smoking cessation