Phenytoin-associated severe hypocalcemia with seizures in a patient with a TSC2-PKD1 contiguous gene syndrome

Ren Fail. 2013 Jul;35(6):866-8. doi: 10.3109/0886022X.2013.801300. Epub 2013 Jun 5.

Abstract

We report the case of an inaugural episode of generalized seizures in a 40-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease associated with TSC2-PKD1 contiguous gene syndrome. This patient was under prophylactic treatment of phenytoin since 2 years because of a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Laboratory results revealed therapeutic range of phenytoin levels, but severe hypocalcemia associated with profound vitamin D deficiency that could not be explained by secondary hyperparathyroidism alone. The interaction of phenytoin on the P-450 cytochromes activity has been demonstrated to accelerate the rate of 25-hydroxivitamin D3 and 1α,25-dihydroxivitamin D3 catabolism into inactive metabolites, leading to hypocalcemia. Physicians should be aware of significant phenytoin interactions on vitamin D metabolism which may lead to symptomatic hypocalcemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / complications*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / genetics
  • Syndrome
  • TRPP Cation Channels / genetics*
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • TRPP Cation Channels
  • TSC2 protein, human
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • polycystic kidney disease 1 protein
  • Phenytoin