Hypercalcaemic crisis after excessive topical use of a vitamin D derivative

Abstract

Topical application of the vitamin D analogue calcipotriol has been found to be of clinical value in the treatment of dermatological disorders. This is considered to be safe with respect to alterations in calcium homeostasis. We report a 17-year-old female patient who developed hypercalcaemic crisis after excessive use of calcipotriol for ichthyosis. The clinical condition and serum calcium improved after cessation of calciprotiol treatment and rehydration with intravenous fluids and electrolytes. The case emphasizes the importance of limiting the topical use of calcipotriol as recommended by the manufacturer.