Hypercalcemia and abnormal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations in leprosy

Abstract Two patients with lepromatous leprosy and hypercalcemia are presented. Serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone and urinary cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations were suppressed. Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH) 2 D] concentrations were elevated in one patient and normal in the other. Urinary hydroxyproline excretion was slightly high in both patients. Hypercalcemia resolved with prednisone therapy. Abnormal 1,25-(OH) 2 D production and/or metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia in some patients with leprosy.