- Email: [email protected]
Hypocalcemia and Tetany Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency in a Child With Intestinal Lymphangiectasia
CASE REPORT
Hypocalcemia and Tetany Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency in a Child With Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Ying-Yi Lu,1 Jia-Feng Wu,1 Yen-Hsuan Ni,1 Steven Shinn-Forng Peng,2 Shun Chia-Tung,3 Mei-Hwei Chang1* Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease of children, which is characterized by chronic diarrhea and complicated with malnutrition, including fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. We report a girl aged 4 years and 8 months who was diagnosed with the disease by endoscopic duodenal biopsy at 8 months of age. She presented initially with chronic diarrhea at 4 months of age. Generalized edema with hypoalbuminemia frequently occurred despite regular albumin supplements. Multiple vitamins initially were not supplied regularly. Episodes of tetany caused by hypocalcemia developed 4 years after the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. Imaging study (long-bone X-ray and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) revealed low bone density. Complicated vitamin D deficiency [low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration (< 12.48 mmol/L, the detection limit)] and secondary hyperparathyroidism were confirmed via blood testing. Vitamin D supplementation for 3 months improved her bone density, secondary hyperparathyroidism and frequent tetany. Vitamin D status should be monitored in patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia. [J Formos Med Assoc 2009;108(10):814–818] Key Words: hypocalcemia, intestinal lymphangiectasia, protein-losing enteropathies, vitamin D deficiency
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a congenital disease that is attributed to the obstruction of lymph drainage from the small intestine, and lacteal dilation that distorts the villous architecture. Lymphatic duct obstruction and elevated intestinal lymphatic pressure cause lymphatic leakage into the intestinal lumen, which can result in malabsorption of nutrients that are transported by the lymphatics, including fat-soluble vitamins. Its manifestation is determined by the anatomical location and extent of abnormal lymphatic ducts. Diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and
histology of the intestine that show dilated lymph ducts and deformed villi. We report a child with intestinal lymphangiectasia who presented with hypocalcemia and episodes of tetany. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and decreased bone density were noted. She was treated with a special formula that contained a high concentration of medium chain triglyceride (MCT). After vitamin D deficiency was confirmed as a complication of intestinal lymphangiectasia, supplements were administered, which resulted in improvement.
©2009 Elsevier & Formosan Medical Association .
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Departments of 1Pediatrics, 2Medical Imaging, and 3Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Received: December 19, 2007 Revised: January 30, 2008 Accepted: March 26, 2008
814
*Correspondence to: Dr Mei-Hwei Chang, Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan. E-mail: [email protected]
J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
Intestinal lymphangiectasia and vitamin D deficiency
Case Report The patient was a girl aged 4 years and 8 months, who presented with chronic greasy diarrhea since the age of 4 months, which was complicated with hypoalbuminemia and generalized edema. She had not undergone previous surgery or radiotherapy. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia was diagnosed by an endoscopic duodenal biopsy at 8 months of age. Meanwhile, elevated fecal α1-antitrypsin secretion was detected (16.66 mg/g; normal range, 0–2.957 mg/g). The extent of lymphangiectasia was from the second portion of the duodenum to the ileum, as revealed by upper endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal series, small bowel follow-through, and colon barium enema study. No proteinuria was noted. Electrocardiography and chest radiography were normal. Abdominal ultrasonography showed diffuse edematous bowel wall and ascites, and no mass lesion that could compress the lymphatic circulation. Since then, she has had regular follow-up at the outpatient clinic. She has been admitted several times for albumin supplements, and she has also taken a special formula that contained a high concentration of MCT (Alfare: 24 g fat, 16.6 g protein, and 290 IU vitamin D per 100 g; MCT: 48% of fat) supplemented with SENTOSA Hi-calorie dietetic oil powder (71.2 g fat and
A
2.2 g protein per 100 g; ratio of MCT oil to soybean oil, 6:1; free of vitamins). Vitamin supplements were given occasionally, which were not included in such formulas. She had three episodes of tetany during the previous 2 months despite regular albumin supplements. Every episode of tetany subsided after supportive treatment. She denied any special medication history. At admission, a puffy eyelid, pitting edema over both pretibial areas, distended abdomen without shifting dullness, and genu valgum were noted upon physical examination. The Chvostek and Trousseau signs were negative. Her weight (17 kg) was within the 50th to 75th percentiles, and her height (100 cm) was within the 10th to 25th percentiles for her age. Blood examination showed lymphopenia (7.78 × 109 cells/L), hypoglobulinemia (IgA, < 0.275 g/L; IgG, 1.84 g/L; IgM, 0.248 g/L), hypoalbuminemia (25.8 g/L), elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, 95 U/L; alanine aminotransferase, 142 U/L), and low concentrations of total calcium (2 mmol/L) and ionized calcium (0.35 mmol/L). The concentrations of corrected serum total calcium (2.28 mmol/L), phosphorus (1.615 mmol/L) and magnesium (0.92 mmol/L) were at a relatively low normal limit. Follow-up concentrations of total and ionized calcium level were still low, at 2.025 and
B
Figure 1. (A) Endoscopic image shows dilated lymphatic channels filled with proteinaceous material. (B) Section reveals marked dilatation of lymphatic ducts that involved the mucosa (hematoxylin & eosin, 40×; black arrow, distorted villous; white arrow, dilated lymph duct with proteinaceous material). J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
815
Y.Y. Lu, et al
1.11 mmol/L, respectively. There was no alkalosis, excess urinary calcium, or phosphorus loss. In addition, the parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration was elevated (390 ng/L; normal range, 12–72 ng/L) and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] concentration was markedly low (< 12.48 mmol/L, the detection limit; normal range, 24.21–104.08 nmol/L). Serum concentration of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D [1,25(OH)2 D] was normal (91.23 pmol/L; normal range, 41.34–144.56 pmol/L). Abdominal ultrasonography showed a dilated bowel loop with edematous bowel wall and mild ascites. Panendoscopy showed acute and chronic inflammatory changes and elevated whitish, dilated lymphatic channels filled with proteinaceous material of the duodenum (Figure 1A). A duodenal biopsy (Figure 1B) revealed dilated lymphatic spaces that involved the lamina propria and muscularis mucosa, which was suggestive of lymphangiectasia. A long bone survey showed increased radio-opacity at the metaphyseal ends near the epiphyses of both distal femurs, upper and lower tibias, and both distal radii and ulnas. Knee X-ray films (Figure 2A) showed mild periosteal elevation at both distal femurs. In addition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed significantly decreased bone density of the lumbar spine (0.472 g/cm2) (mean density for a 4-year-old girl A
is 0.624 ± 0.04 g/cm2).1 Intestinal lymphangiectasia complicated with vitamin D deficiency was thus diagnosed. Thereafter, intravenous multiple vitamins including 400 IU ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and subcutaneous vitamin K were administered during hospitalization. Oral vitamin D supplementation with 0.75 μg/day alfacalcidol and monthly intramuscular multiple vitamins were given after discharge from the hospital. Follow-up revealed a decreased level of PTH (84.6 ng/L), normal levels of serum total calcium (2.1 mmol/L) and corrected total calcium (2.32 mmol/L), but hypoalbuminemia persisted (29 g/L). Knee X-rays (Figure 2B) revealed less obvious high density at the metaphyseal ends of the long bones, and no periosteal reaction of the distal femur after 3 months of vitamin D supplementation. At present, she continues on 1 μg/day alfacalcidol, after dosage adjustment. Further follow-up has shown that PTH (62.1 ng/L) and total calcium (2.26 mmol/L) are within normal limits. Therefore, the treatment has been maintained.
Discussion Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia with proteinlosing enteropathy was diagnosed in this patient B
Figure 2. (A) Knee X-ray revealed increased density (arrow) at bilateral distal femoral and proximal tibia metaphyseal ends, and periosteal elevation at initial presentation. (B) No more periosteal elevation (arrow) of the distal femoral bones, and the high density of the metaphyseal ends are no longer obvious after supplementation with vitamin D for 3 more months.
816
J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
Intestinal lymphangiectasia and vitamin D deficiency
at 8 months of age. Although she was supplemented with a special formula, a low concentration of albumin persisted. Vitamin D deficiency developed with frequent episodes of tetany and a decreased concentration of ionized calcium, increased concentration of PTH, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and periosteal reaction at the metaphyses near the epiphyses. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is usually diagnosed before 3 years of age. It is a congenital disorder of the lymphatic system.2–5 If a large portion of the small intestine is involved, proteinlosing enteropathy may occur, which may cause edema.5,6 Based on fat malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency with tetany, secondary hyperparathyroidism and a decrease in bone density are present, as in our patient. The medical treatment includes a highprotein, low-fat diet with added MCT. MCT is absorbed directly into the portal system. The absence of fat in the lymphatics prevents the engorgement of the lymphatic duct from rupture and malabsorption.5,7,8 Our patient was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, which is characterized by low plasma levels of 25(OH) D, the major circulating metabolite. However, the most potent bioactive metabolite is 1,25(OH)2 D, whose concentration is maintained until an extreme degree of vitamin D depletion, by the compensatory effects of PTH. Vitamin D deficiency over a prolonged period leads to osteomalacia or rickets, whereas less severe deficiency, accompanied by secondary hyperparathyroidism, causes osteopenia.9–11 Increased PTH secretion is one of the earliest signs of insufficient stores of vitamin D, a physiological response mediated through changes in serum ionized calcium and serum 1,25(OH)2 D. PTH hypersecretion may accelerate bone turnover rate, which may induce bone resorption and a net loss of bone minerals. We have used the BMD score to detect bone mineral loss in our patient, based on the significant inverse correlation of 25(OH) D and BMD z scores in children.12 Furthermore, the sclerotic change in our patient suggested growth arrest during severe disease or recovery status J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
of rickets, which might occur in vitamin D deficiency. Solar radiation cannot significantly influence the level of vitamin D. Moreover, increased dietary intake might not be sufficient because of malabsorption. Therefore, the ideal way to combat vitamin D deficiency is supplementation. Conventional oral replacement therapy is appropriate in most patients. No matter what degree of fat malabsorption exists, any vitamin D supplementation is associated with a significant increase in 25(OH) D concentration. 25(OH) D, 1,25(OH)2 D and alfacalcidol are superior to vitamin D3 in patients with malabsorption, and all have similar potency.9–11,13–16 When malabsorption occurs, a higher oral dose is needed than that for prevention (400–1000 IU/day vitamin D3). The level of serum ionized calcium, 25(OH) D and PTH should be monitored during therapy because of the risk of toxicity, and then the dose should be adjusted. The current safe dose of vitamin D3 is 1000–2000 IU daily and 0.05 μg/kg/day 1,25(OH)2 D.9,10 Parenteral supplements should be considered if oral treatment does not work sufficiently. Intramuscular vitamin D injections of 100,000 IU/month have long been used in patients with severe malabsorption.10 In conclusion, our patient with intestinal lymphangiectasia had malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins that led to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency should be screened in cases of intestinal lymphangiectasia and routine supplements are advised.6,10
References 1. Southard RN, Morris JD, Mahan JD, et al. Bone mass in healthy children: measurement with quantitative DXA. Radiology 1991;179:735–8. 2. Chamouard P, Nehme-Schuster H, Simler JM, et al. Videocapsule endoscopy is useful for the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. Dig Liver Dis 2006;38: 699–703. 3. Fang YH, Zhang BL, Wu JG, et al. A primary intestinal lymphangiectasia patient diagnosed by capsule endoscopy and confirmed at surgery: a case report. World J Gastroenterol 2007;13:2263–5.
817
Y.Y. Lu, et al
4. Salvia G, Cascioli CF, Ciccimarra F, et al. A case of proteinlosing enteropathy caused by intestinal lymphangiectasia in a preterm infant. Pediatrics 2001;107:416–7. 5. Vardy PA, Lebenthal E, Shwachman H. Intestinal lymphangiectasia: a reappraisal. Pediatrics 1975;55:842–51. 6. Uguralp S, Mutus M, Kutlu O, et al. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: a rare disease in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2001;33: 508–10. 7. Dickerson RN. Treatment of hypocalcemia in critical illness: part 1. Nutrition 2007;23:358–61. 8. Dierselhuis MP, Boelens JJ, Versteegh FG, et al. Recurrent and opportunistic infections in children with primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2007; 44:382–5. 9. Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med 2007; 357:266–81. 10. Herfarth H, Hofstadter F, Feuerbach S, et al. A case of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and protein-losing
818
11. 12. 13.
14.
15.
16.
gastroenteropathy. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007;4:288–93. Mawer EB. Vitamin D deficiency in patients with intestinal malabsorption. Nutrition 1997;13:814–5. Binkovitz LA, Henwood MJ. Pediatric DXA: technique and interpretation. Pediatr Radiol 2007;37:21–31. Lyles KW, Colon-Emeric C. Treating vitamin D deficiency in long-term care: it should be done yesterday, but how? J Am Med Dir Assoc 2004;5:416–7. Houghton LA, Vieth R. The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:694–7. Greenbaum LA. Rickets and hypervitaminosis D. In: Kliergman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th edition. Philadelphia: Saunders–Elsevier, 2007:253–63. Brickman AS, Coburn JW, Friedman GR, et al. Comparison of effects of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 in man. J Clin Invest 1976;57:1540–7.
J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
Hypocalcemia and Tetany Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency in a Child With Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Ying-Yi Lu,1 Jia-Feng Wu,1 Yen-Hsuan Ni,1 Steven Shinn-Forng Peng,2 Shun Chia-Tung,3 Mei-Hwei Chang1* Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease of children, which is characterized by chronic diarrhea and complicated with malnutrition, including fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. We report a girl aged 4 years and 8 months who was diagnosed with the disease by endoscopic duodenal biopsy at 8 months of age. She presented initially with chronic diarrhea at 4 months of age. Generalized edema with hypoalbuminemia frequently occurred despite regular albumin supplements. Multiple vitamins initially were not supplied regularly. Episodes of tetany caused by hypocalcemia developed 4 years after the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. Imaging study (long-bone X-ray and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) revealed low bone density. Complicated vitamin D deficiency [low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration (< 12.48 mmol/L, the detection limit)] and secondary hyperparathyroidism were confirmed via blood testing. Vitamin D supplementation for 3 months improved her bone density, secondary hyperparathyroidism and frequent tetany. Vitamin D status should be monitored in patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia. [J Formos Med Assoc 2009;108(10):814–818] Key Words: hypocalcemia, intestinal lymphangiectasia, protein-losing enteropathies, vitamin D deficiency
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a congenital disease that is attributed to the obstruction of lymph drainage from the small intestine, and lacteal dilation that distorts the villous architecture. Lymphatic duct obstruction and elevated intestinal lymphatic pressure cause lymphatic leakage into the intestinal lumen, which can result in malabsorption of nutrients that are transported by the lymphatics, including fat-soluble vitamins. Its manifestation is determined by the anatomical location and extent of abnormal lymphatic ducts. Diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and
histology of the intestine that show dilated lymph ducts and deformed villi. We report a child with intestinal lymphangiectasia who presented with hypocalcemia and episodes of tetany. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and decreased bone density were noted. She was treated with a special formula that contained a high concentration of medium chain triglyceride (MCT). After vitamin D deficiency was confirmed as a complication of intestinal lymphangiectasia, supplements were administered, which resulted in improvement.
©2009 Elsevier & Formosan Medical Association .
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Departments of 1Pediatrics, 2Medical Imaging, and 3Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Received: December 19, 2007 Revised: January 30, 2008 Accepted: March 26, 2008
814
*Correspondence to: Dr Mei-Hwei Chang, Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan. E-mail: [email protected]
J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
Intestinal lymphangiectasia and vitamin D deficiency
Case Report The patient was a girl aged 4 years and 8 months, who presented with chronic greasy diarrhea since the age of 4 months, which was complicated with hypoalbuminemia and generalized edema. She had not undergone previous surgery or radiotherapy. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia was diagnosed by an endoscopic duodenal biopsy at 8 months of age. Meanwhile, elevated fecal α1-antitrypsin secretion was detected (16.66 mg/g; normal range, 0–2.957 mg/g). The extent of lymphangiectasia was from the second portion of the duodenum to the ileum, as revealed by upper endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal series, small bowel follow-through, and colon barium enema study. No proteinuria was noted. Electrocardiography and chest radiography were normal. Abdominal ultrasonography showed diffuse edematous bowel wall and ascites, and no mass lesion that could compress the lymphatic circulation. Since then, she has had regular follow-up at the outpatient clinic. She has been admitted several times for albumin supplements, and she has also taken a special formula that contained a high concentration of MCT (Alfare: 24 g fat, 16.6 g protein, and 290 IU vitamin D per 100 g; MCT: 48% of fat) supplemented with SENTOSA Hi-calorie dietetic oil powder (71.2 g fat and
A
2.2 g protein per 100 g; ratio of MCT oil to soybean oil, 6:1; free of vitamins). Vitamin supplements were given occasionally, which were not included in such formulas. She had three episodes of tetany during the previous 2 months despite regular albumin supplements. Every episode of tetany subsided after supportive treatment. She denied any special medication history. At admission, a puffy eyelid, pitting edema over both pretibial areas, distended abdomen without shifting dullness, and genu valgum were noted upon physical examination. The Chvostek and Trousseau signs were negative. Her weight (17 kg) was within the 50th to 75th percentiles, and her height (100 cm) was within the 10th to 25th percentiles for her age. Blood examination showed lymphopenia (7.78 × 109 cells/L), hypoglobulinemia (IgA, < 0.275 g/L; IgG, 1.84 g/L; IgM, 0.248 g/L), hypoalbuminemia (25.8 g/L), elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, 95 U/L; alanine aminotransferase, 142 U/L), and low concentrations of total calcium (2 mmol/L) and ionized calcium (0.35 mmol/L). The concentrations of corrected serum total calcium (2.28 mmol/L), phosphorus (1.615 mmol/L) and magnesium (0.92 mmol/L) were at a relatively low normal limit. Follow-up concentrations of total and ionized calcium level were still low, at 2.025 and
B
Figure 1. (A) Endoscopic image shows dilated lymphatic channels filled with proteinaceous material. (B) Section reveals marked dilatation of lymphatic ducts that involved the mucosa (hematoxylin & eosin, 40×; black arrow, distorted villous; white arrow, dilated lymph duct with proteinaceous material). J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
815
Y.Y. Lu, et al
1.11 mmol/L, respectively. There was no alkalosis, excess urinary calcium, or phosphorus loss. In addition, the parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration was elevated (390 ng/L; normal range, 12–72 ng/L) and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] concentration was markedly low (< 12.48 mmol/L, the detection limit; normal range, 24.21–104.08 nmol/L). Serum concentration of 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D [1,25(OH)2 D] was normal (91.23 pmol/L; normal range, 41.34–144.56 pmol/L). Abdominal ultrasonography showed a dilated bowel loop with edematous bowel wall and mild ascites. Panendoscopy showed acute and chronic inflammatory changes and elevated whitish, dilated lymphatic channels filled with proteinaceous material of the duodenum (Figure 1A). A duodenal biopsy (Figure 1B) revealed dilated lymphatic spaces that involved the lamina propria and muscularis mucosa, which was suggestive of lymphangiectasia. A long bone survey showed increased radio-opacity at the metaphyseal ends near the epiphyses of both distal femurs, upper and lower tibias, and both distal radii and ulnas. Knee X-ray films (Figure 2A) showed mild periosteal elevation at both distal femurs. In addition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed significantly decreased bone density of the lumbar spine (0.472 g/cm2) (mean density for a 4-year-old girl A
is 0.624 ± 0.04 g/cm2).1 Intestinal lymphangiectasia complicated with vitamin D deficiency was thus diagnosed. Thereafter, intravenous multiple vitamins including 400 IU ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and subcutaneous vitamin K were administered during hospitalization. Oral vitamin D supplementation with 0.75 μg/day alfacalcidol and monthly intramuscular multiple vitamins were given after discharge from the hospital. Follow-up revealed a decreased level of PTH (84.6 ng/L), normal levels of serum total calcium (2.1 mmol/L) and corrected total calcium (2.32 mmol/L), but hypoalbuminemia persisted (29 g/L). Knee X-rays (Figure 2B) revealed less obvious high density at the metaphyseal ends of the long bones, and no periosteal reaction of the distal femur after 3 months of vitamin D supplementation. At present, she continues on 1 μg/day alfacalcidol, after dosage adjustment. Further follow-up has shown that PTH (62.1 ng/L) and total calcium (2.26 mmol/L) are within normal limits. Therefore, the treatment has been maintained.
Discussion Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia with proteinlosing enteropathy was diagnosed in this patient B
Figure 2. (A) Knee X-ray revealed increased density (arrow) at bilateral distal femoral and proximal tibia metaphyseal ends, and periosteal elevation at initial presentation. (B) No more periosteal elevation (arrow) of the distal femoral bones, and the high density of the metaphyseal ends are no longer obvious after supplementation with vitamin D for 3 more months.
816
J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
Intestinal lymphangiectasia and vitamin D deficiency
at 8 months of age. Although she was supplemented with a special formula, a low concentration of albumin persisted. Vitamin D deficiency developed with frequent episodes of tetany and a decreased concentration of ionized calcium, increased concentration of PTH, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and periosteal reaction at the metaphyses near the epiphyses. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is usually diagnosed before 3 years of age. It is a congenital disorder of the lymphatic system.2–5 If a large portion of the small intestine is involved, proteinlosing enteropathy may occur, which may cause edema.5,6 Based on fat malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency with tetany, secondary hyperparathyroidism and a decrease in bone density are present, as in our patient. The medical treatment includes a highprotein, low-fat diet with added MCT. MCT is absorbed directly into the portal system. The absence of fat in the lymphatics prevents the engorgement of the lymphatic duct from rupture and malabsorption.5,7,8 Our patient was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, which is characterized by low plasma levels of 25(OH) D, the major circulating metabolite. However, the most potent bioactive metabolite is 1,25(OH)2 D, whose concentration is maintained until an extreme degree of vitamin D depletion, by the compensatory effects of PTH. Vitamin D deficiency over a prolonged period leads to osteomalacia or rickets, whereas less severe deficiency, accompanied by secondary hyperparathyroidism, causes osteopenia.9–11 Increased PTH secretion is one of the earliest signs of insufficient stores of vitamin D, a physiological response mediated through changes in serum ionized calcium and serum 1,25(OH)2 D. PTH hypersecretion may accelerate bone turnover rate, which may induce bone resorption and a net loss of bone minerals. We have used the BMD score to detect bone mineral loss in our patient, based on the significant inverse correlation of 25(OH) D and BMD z scores in children.12 Furthermore, the sclerotic change in our patient suggested growth arrest during severe disease or recovery status J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10
of rickets, which might occur in vitamin D deficiency. Solar radiation cannot significantly influence the level of vitamin D. Moreover, increased dietary intake might not be sufficient because of malabsorption. Therefore, the ideal way to combat vitamin D deficiency is supplementation. Conventional oral replacement therapy is appropriate in most patients. No matter what degree of fat malabsorption exists, any vitamin D supplementation is associated with a significant increase in 25(OH) D concentration. 25(OH) D, 1,25(OH)2 D and alfacalcidol are superior to vitamin D3 in patients with malabsorption, and all have similar potency.9–11,13–16 When malabsorption occurs, a higher oral dose is needed than that for prevention (400–1000 IU/day vitamin D3). The level of serum ionized calcium, 25(OH) D and PTH should be monitored during therapy because of the risk of toxicity, and then the dose should be adjusted. The current safe dose of vitamin D3 is 1000–2000 IU daily and 0.05 μg/kg/day 1,25(OH)2 D.9,10 Parenteral supplements should be considered if oral treatment does not work sufficiently. Intramuscular vitamin D injections of 100,000 IU/month have long been used in patients with severe malabsorption.10 In conclusion, our patient with intestinal lymphangiectasia had malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins that led to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency should be screened in cases of intestinal lymphangiectasia and routine supplements are advised.6,10
References 1. Southard RN, Morris JD, Mahan JD, et al. Bone mass in healthy children: measurement with quantitative DXA. Radiology 1991;179:735–8. 2. Chamouard P, Nehme-Schuster H, Simler JM, et al. Videocapsule endoscopy is useful for the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. Dig Liver Dis 2006;38: 699–703. 3. Fang YH, Zhang BL, Wu JG, et al. A primary intestinal lymphangiectasia patient diagnosed by capsule endoscopy and confirmed at surgery: a case report. World J Gastroenterol 2007;13:2263–5.
817
Y.Y. Lu, et al
4. Salvia G, Cascioli CF, Ciccimarra F, et al. A case of proteinlosing enteropathy caused by intestinal lymphangiectasia in a preterm infant. Pediatrics 2001;107:416–7. 5. Vardy PA, Lebenthal E, Shwachman H. Intestinal lymphangiectasia: a reappraisal. Pediatrics 1975;55:842–51. 6. Uguralp S, Mutus M, Kutlu O, et al. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: a rare disease in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2001;33: 508–10. 7. Dickerson RN. Treatment of hypocalcemia in critical illness: part 1. Nutrition 2007;23:358–61. 8. Dierselhuis MP, Boelens JJ, Versteegh FG, et al. Recurrent and opportunistic infections in children with primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2007; 44:382–5. 9. Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med 2007; 357:266–81. 10. Herfarth H, Hofstadter F, Feuerbach S, et al. A case of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and protein-losing
818
11. 12. 13.
14.
15.
16.
gastroenteropathy. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007;4:288–93. Mawer EB. Vitamin D deficiency in patients with intestinal malabsorption. Nutrition 1997;13:814–5. Binkovitz LA, Henwood MJ. Pediatric DXA: technique and interpretation. Pediatr Radiol 2007;37:21–31. Lyles KW, Colon-Emeric C. Treating vitamin D deficiency in long-term care: it should be done yesterday, but how? J Am Med Dir Assoc 2004;5:416–7. Houghton LA, Vieth R. The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:694–7. Greenbaum LA. Rickets and hypervitaminosis D. In: Kliergman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th edition. Philadelphia: Saunders–Elsevier, 2007:253–63. Brickman AS, Coburn JW, Friedman GR, et al. Comparison of effects of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 in man. J Clin Invest 1976;57:1540–7.
J Formos Med Assoc | 2009 • Vol 108 • No 10