VITAMIN D INTOXICATION DUE TO ERTRON: REPORT OF TWO CASES

Abstract

Two cases of Ertron (activated steroids, Whittier Process) poisoning are reported to emphasize that the prolonged admn. of massive doses of anti-rachitic substances may produce profound disturbances in Ca-P metabolism with serious renal damage. Ertron therapy, therefore, is potentially dangerous. If such drugs are used in the therapy of arthritis, frequent observations must be made upon the hemoglobin, urine, renal function tests, and Ca and P blood serum levels in order to detect early intoxication and in order to prevent irreversible tissue changes. In every instance of hypercalcemia, vitamin D intoxication must be considered in differential diagnosis.