Hypocalcemia and tetany caused by vitamin D deficiency in a child with intestinal lymphangiectasia

J Formos Med Assoc. 2009 Oct;108(10):814-8. doi: 10.1016/s0929-6646(09)60410-1.

Abstract

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease of children, which is characterized by chronic diarrhea and complicated with malnutrition, including fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. We report a girl aged 4 years and 8 months who was diagnosed with the disease by endoscopic duodenal biopsy at 8 months of age. She presented initially with chronic diarrhea at 4 months of age. Generalized edema with hypoalbuminemia frequently occurred despite regular albumin supplements. Multiple vitamins initially were not supplied regularly. Episodes of tetany caused by hypocalcemia developed 4 years after the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. Imaging study (long-bone X-ray and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) revealed low bone density. Complicated vitamin D deficiency [low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration (< 12.48 mmol/L, the detection limit)] and secondary hyperparathyroidism were confirmed via blood testing. Vitamin D supplementation for 3 months improved her bone density, secondary hyperparathyroidism and frequent tetany. Vitamin D status should be monitored in patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon / adverse effects
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Duodenoscopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / complications
  • Hypocalcemia / etiology*
  • Hypocalcemia / physiopathology
  • Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / complications
  • Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / pathology*
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies / complications
  • Tetany / etiology*
  • Tetany / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / therapy

Substances

  • Vitamin D