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

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)2D] concentrations were elevated in one patient and normal in the other. Urinary hydroxyproline excretion was slightly high in both patients. Hypercalcemia resolved excretion was slightly high in both patients. Hypercalcemia resolved with prednisone therapy. Abnormal 1,25-(OH)2D production and/or metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia in some patients with leprosy.