[Hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis]

Nihon Rinsho. 2002 Sep;60(9):1778-84.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Although hypercalcemia has long been recognized as a complication of sarcoidosis, the incidence of hypercalcemia (> or = 11 mg/dl) in Japan is probably less than 5%. 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3 is the main cause for hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis and overproduced by sarcoid granulomata. Gamma-interferon produced by activated lymphocytes and macrophages plays a major role in the synthesis of 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3. PTH release is down regulated by high serum concentration of 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3. Parathyroid hormone related protein may also contribute to the hypercalcemia of sarcoidosis. Treatment of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria consists of a low calcium diet, adequate hydration, minimization of exposure to sunlight and reducing overproduction of 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3. Prednisone, 15 to 25 mg/day, is the drug of choice to reduce the overproduction of 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Down-Regulation
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / etiology*
  • Hypercalcemia / therapy
  • Hypercapnia / etiology
  • Hypercapnia / therapy
  • Interferon-gamma / physiology
  • Parathyroid Hormone / metabolism
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Prednisone / pharmacology
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*
  • Sarcoidosis / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / biosynthesis
  • Vitamin D / physiology

Substances

  • 2-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Prednisone