A Familial Syndrome of Decrease in Sensitivity to 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D*

Abstract

Typical features of hereditary vitamin D-dependent (pseudovitamin D-deficient) rickets were observed beginning at ages 20 and 5 months in a brother and sister. Both had calcium malabsorption correctable with high doses of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. During periods of hypocalcemia they both manifested secondary hyperparathyroidism with hypophosphatemia and high serum concentrations of endogenously produced 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. In each, normalization of serum calcium concentration and resolution of osteomalacia were obtained with continuous administration of high doses of ergocalciferol or high doses of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Chemical features of vitamin D deficiency were corrected in the presence of high circulating concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂, produced endogenously, or of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, administered by mouth. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were normal in five first degree relatives. We conclude that in these siblings, rickets and osteomalacia resulted from a hereditary decreased sensitivity to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D at the intestine and perhaps other vitamin D target tissues.