Proximal renal tubular acidosis associated with osteomalacia

South Med J. 2001 May;94(5):536-9.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common among older persons and those with spinal cord injuries. We report a case of proximal renal tubular acidosis in a 44-year-old quadriplegic nursing home resident who had limited sunlight exposure. Laboratory studies showed a low level of serum bicarbonate, a normal serum anion gap, and a positive urine anion gap. There was no history of diarrhea. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were 6.9 mg/dL and 3.7 mg/dL, respectively. Proximal renal tubular acidosis due to osteomalacia was suspected, which was confirmed by a low serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol level (< 5 ng/mL) with an elevated serum parathyroid hormone level. Treatment with vitamin D and a calcium supplement led to normalization of laboratory values.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Renal Tubular / diagnosis
  • Acidosis, Renal Tubular / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • Calcifediol / blood
  • Calcium / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteomalacia / complications*
  • Osteomalacia / diagnosis
  • Osteomalacia / drug therapy
  • Osteomalacia / prevention & control
  • Quadriplegia / complications*
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcifediol
  • Calcium