Severe hypercalcaemia in a child secondary to use of alternative therapies

Abstract

We describe a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with acute vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, polyuria and polydipsia. Initial investigations revealed a very elevated corrected calcium level which peaked at 4.46 mmol/L. He had a prior diagnosis of autism and his mother had consulted an alternative therapist who had recommended many supplements, including calcium and vitamin D. He required treatment with hyperhydration, calcitonin, furosemide and several doses of pamindronate before his calcium level returned to the normal range 2 weeks later.