Renal injury due to vitamin D intoxication; a case of dispensing error

Abstract

Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:Vitamin D has become a popular drug nowadays and is commonly prescribed for a variety of illnesses. Dosage, prescription and dispensing errors are common and can lead to vitamin D toxicity. The diagnosis of the later is often delayed and can lead to irreversible damage to a number of organs including kidneys. It is important to educate both the health care providers and the patients on the benefits and risks of use of vitamin D and inform them of the safety measures to avoid overdosing of the drug. Vitamin D intoxication can lead to acute or chronic renal injury and this cause should be considered in differential diagnosis of unusual cases of renal failure and hypercalcemia.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury, Hypercalcemia, Hypervitaminosis D, Medication error, Vitamin D toxicity, Chronic Kidney Disease