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S T Marko - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Calcification in a Colony of Inbred
    2016
    Co-Authors: Hypervitaminosis D, H Holcombe, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, N. M. Parry, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, uri-nalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; how-ever, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet recall, the remaining guinea pigs increased their food intake and regained body condition. Diagnostic testing of 8 animals euthanized approximately 3 months after returning to a normal diet demonstrated that serum parathyroid hormone remained significantly lower, and ionized calcium and ionized magnesium were significantly higher, in recovered animals compared to controls and exposed animals. These results indicate that diagnostic tests other than serum calcium are necessary for a diag-nosis of hypervitaminosis D in guinea pigs

  • hypervitaminosis d and Metastatic Calcification in a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs cavia porcellus
    Veterinary Pathology, 2015
    Co-Authors: H Holcombe, Nicola Parry, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; however, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet re...

  • hypervitaminosis d and Metastatic Calcification in a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs cavia porcellus
    Veterinary Pathology, 2015
    Co-Authors: H Holcombe, Nicola Parry, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; however, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet recall, the remaining guinea pigs increased their food intake and regained body condition. Diagnostic testing of 8 animals euthanized approximately 3 months after returning to a normal diet demonstrated that serum parathyroid hormone remained significantly lower, and ionized calcium and ionized magnesium were significantly higher, in recovered animals compared to controls and exposed animals. These results indicate that diagnostic tests other than serum calcium are necessary for a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D in guinea pigs.

Friedrich K Port - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • association of serum phosphorus and calcium x phosphate product with mortality risk in chronic hemodialysis patients a national study
    American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 1998
    Co-Authors: G A Block, Tempie E Hulbertshearon, N W Levin, Friedrich K Port
    Abstract:

    Elevated serum phosphorus is a predictable accompaniment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of dietary phosphate restriction or supplemental phosphate binders. The consequences of hyperphosphatemia include the development and progression of secondary hyperparathyroidism and a predisposition to Metastatic Calcification when the product of serum calcium and phosphorus (Ca x PO4) is elevated. Both of these conditions may contribute to the substantial morbidity and mortality seen in patients with ESRD. We have analyzed the distribution of serum phosphorus in two large national, random, cross-sectional samples of hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year. Data were obtained from two special studies of the United States Renal Data System, the Case Mix Adequacy Study (1990) and the Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study Wave 1 (1993). The relative risk of death by serum phosphorus quintiles is described after adjusting for age at onset of ESRD, race, sex, smoking status, and the presence of diabetes, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and/or neoplasm. Logistic regression analysis is then used to describe the demographic, comorbid, and laboratory parameters associated with high serum phosphorus. Serum phosphorus was similar in these two study populations and averaged 6.2 mg/dL. Ten percent of patients had levels greater than 9 mg/dL and at least 30% of each group had serum phosphorus levels greater than 7 mg/dL. The adjusted relative risk of death by serum phosphorus level was not uniform across all quintiles, being constant below a level of 6.5 mg/dL and increasing significantly above this level. The relative risk of death for those with a serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL was 1.27 relative to those with a serum phosphorus of 2.4 to 6.5 mg/dL. This increased risk was not diminished by statistical adjustment for coexisting medical conditions, delivered dose of dialysis, nutritional parameters, or markers of noncompliance. Evaluation of predictors of serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL revealed in multivariate analysis that younger age at onset of ESRD, female sex, white race, diabetes, active smoking, and higher serum creatinine levels were all significant predictors. Analysis of serum calcium revealed no correlation with relative risk of death. The Ca x PO4 product, however, showed a mortality risk trend similar to that seen with serum phosphorus alone. Those in the highest quintile of the Ca x PO4 product (>72 mg2/dL2) had a relative mortality risk of 1.34 relative to those with products of 42 to 52 mg2/dL2. The relative mortality risk by log parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was elevated for patients with higher levels, but the mortality risk associated with hyperphosphatemia was independent of PTH. For hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year, we conclude that a large percentage have a serum phosphorus level above 6.5 mg/dL and that this places them at increased risk of death. This increased risk is independent of PTH. The mechanism(s) responsible for death is unknown, but may be related to an abnormally high Ca x PO4 product. Although mechanisms are not clearly established, this study supports the need for vigorous control of hyperphosphatemia to improve patient survival.

  • association of serum phosphorus and calcium x phosphate product with mortality risk in chronic hemodialysis patients a national study
    American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 1998
    Co-Authors: G A Block, Tempie E Hulbertshearon, N W Levin, Friedrich K Port
    Abstract:

    Abstract Elevated serum phosphorus is a predictable accompaniment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of dietary phosphate restriction or supplemental phosphate binders. The consequences of hyperphosphatemia include the development and progression of secondary hyperparathyroidism and a predisposition to Metastatic Calcification when the product of serum calcium and phosphorus (Ca x PO4) is elevated. Both of these conditions may contribute to the substantial morbidity and mortality seen in patients with ESRD. We have analyzed the distribution of serum phosphorus in two large national, random, cross-sectional samples of hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year. Data were obtained from two special studies of the United States Renal Data System, the Case Mix Adequacy Study (1990) and the Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study Wave 1 (1993). The relative risk of death by serum phosphorus quintiles is described after adjusting for age at onset of ESRD, race, sex, smoking status, and the presence of diabetes, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and/or neoplasm. Logistic regression analysis is then used to describe the demographic, comorbid, and laboratory parameters associated with high serum phosphorus. Serum phosphorus was similar in these two study populations and averaged 6.2 mg/dL. Ten percent of patients had levels greater than 9 mg/dL and at least 30% of each group had serum phosphorus levels greater than 7 mg/dL. The adjusted relative risk of death by serum phosphorus level was not uniform across all quintiles, being constant below a level of 6.5 mg/dL and increasing significantly above this level. The relative risk of death for those with a serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL was 1.27 relative to those with a serum phosphorus of 2.4 to 6.5 mg/dL. This increased risk was not diminished by statistical adjustment for coexisting medical conditions, delivered dose of dialysis, nutritional parameters, or markers of noncompliance. Evaluation of predictors of serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL revealed in multivariate analysis that younger age at onset of ESRD, female sex, white race, diabetes, active smoking, and higher serum creatinine levels were all significant predictors. Analysis of serum calcium revealed no correlation with relative risk of death. The Ca x PO4 product, however, showed a mortality risk trend similar to that seen with serum phosphorus alone. Those in the highest quintile of the Ca x PO4 product (>72 mg2/dL2) had a relative mortality risk of 1.34 relative to those with products of 42 to 52 mg2/dL2. The relative mortality risk by log parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was elevated for patients with higher levels, but the mortality risk associated with hyperphosphatemia was independent of PTH. For hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year, we conclude that a large percentage have a serum phosphorus level above 6.5 mg/dL and that this places them at increased risk of death. This increased risk is independent of PTH. The mechanism(s) responsible for death is unknown, but may be related to an abnormally high Ca x PO4 product. Although mechanisms are not clearly established, this study supports the need for vigorous control of hyperphosphatemia to improve patient survival. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Apr;31(4):607-17)

H Holcombe - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Calcification in a Colony of Inbred
    2016
    Co-Authors: Hypervitaminosis D, H Holcombe, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, N. M. Parry, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, uri-nalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; how-ever, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet recall, the remaining guinea pigs increased their food intake and regained body condition. Diagnostic testing of 8 animals euthanized approximately 3 months after returning to a normal diet demonstrated that serum parathyroid hormone remained significantly lower, and ionized calcium and ionized magnesium were significantly higher, in recovered animals compared to controls and exposed animals. These results indicate that diagnostic tests other than serum calcium are necessary for a diag-nosis of hypervitaminosis D in guinea pigs

  • hypervitaminosis d and Metastatic Calcification in a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs cavia porcellus
    Veterinary Pathology, 2015
    Co-Authors: H Holcombe, Nicola Parry, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; however, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet re...

  • hypervitaminosis d and Metastatic Calcification in a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs cavia porcellus
    Veterinary Pathology, 2015
    Co-Authors: H Holcombe, Nicola Parry, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; however, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet recall, the remaining guinea pigs increased their food intake and regained body condition. Diagnostic testing of 8 animals euthanized approximately 3 months after returning to a normal diet demonstrated that serum parathyroid hormone remained significantly lower, and ionized calcium and ionized magnesium were significantly higher, in recovered animals compared to controls and exposed animals. These results indicate that diagnostic tests other than serum calcium are necessary for a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D in guinea pigs.

G A Block - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • association of serum phosphorus and calcium x phosphate product with mortality risk in chronic hemodialysis patients a national study
    American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 1998
    Co-Authors: G A Block, Tempie E Hulbertshearon, N W Levin, Friedrich K Port
    Abstract:

    Elevated serum phosphorus is a predictable accompaniment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of dietary phosphate restriction or supplemental phosphate binders. The consequences of hyperphosphatemia include the development and progression of secondary hyperparathyroidism and a predisposition to Metastatic Calcification when the product of serum calcium and phosphorus (Ca x PO4) is elevated. Both of these conditions may contribute to the substantial morbidity and mortality seen in patients with ESRD. We have analyzed the distribution of serum phosphorus in two large national, random, cross-sectional samples of hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year. Data were obtained from two special studies of the United States Renal Data System, the Case Mix Adequacy Study (1990) and the Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study Wave 1 (1993). The relative risk of death by serum phosphorus quintiles is described after adjusting for age at onset of ESRD, race, sex, smoking status, and the presence of diabetes, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and/or neoplasm. Logistic regression analysis is then used to describe the demographic, comorbid, and laboratory parameters associated with high serum phosphorus. Serum phosphorus was similar in these two study populations and averaged 6.2 mg/dL. Ten percent of patients had levels greater than 9 mg/dL and at least 30% of each group had serum phosphorus levels greater than 7 mg/dL. The adjusted relative risk of death by serum phosphorus level was not uniform across all quintiles, being constant below a level of 6.5 mg/dL and increasing significantly above this level. The relative risk of death for those with a serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL was 1.27 relative to those with a serum phosphorus of 2.4 to 6.5 mg/dL. This increased risk was not diminished by statistical adjustment for coexisting medical conditions, delivered dose of dialysis, nutritional parameters, or markers of noncompliance. Evaluation of predictors of serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL revealed in multivariate analysis that younger age at onset of ESRD, female sex, white race, diabetes, active smoking, and higher serum creatinine levels were all significant predictors. Analysis of serum calcium revealed no correlation with relative risk of death. The Ca x PO4 product, however, showed a mortality risk trend similar to that seen with serum phosphorus alone. Those in the highest quintile of the Ca x PO4 product (>72 mg2/dL2) had a relative mortality risk of 1.34 relative to those with products of 42 to 52 mg2/dL2. The relative mortality risk by log parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was elevated for patients with higher levels, but the mortality risk associated with hyperphosphatemia was independent of PTH. For hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year, we conclude that a large percentage have a serum phosphorus level above 6.5 mg/dL and that this places them at increased risk of death. This increased risk is independent of PTH. The mechanism(s) responsible for death is unknown, but may be related to an abnormally high Ca x PO4 product. Although mechanisms are not clearly established, this study supports the need for vigorous control of hyperphosphatemia to improve patient survival.

  • association of serum phosphorus and calcium x phosphate product with mortality risk in chronic hemodialysis patients a national study
    American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 1998
    Co-Authors: G A Block, Tempie E Hulbertshearon, N W Levin, Friedrich K Port
    Abstract:

    Abstract Elevated serum phosphorus is a predictable accompaniment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of dietary phosphate restriction or supplemental phosphate binders. The consequences of hyperphosphatemia include the development and progression of secondary hyperparathyroidism and a predisposition to Metastatic Calcification when the product of serum calcium and phosphorus (Ca x PO4) is elevated. Both of these conditions may contribute to the substantial morbidity and mortality seen in patients with ESRD. We have analyzed the distribution of serum phosphorus in two large national, random, cross-sectional samples of hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year. Data were obtained from two special studies of the United States Renal Data System, the Case Mix Adequacy Study (1990) and the Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study Wave 1 (1993). The relative risk of death by serum phosphorus quintiles is described after adjusting for age at onset of ESRD, race, sex, smoking status, and the presence of diabetes, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and/or neoplasm. Logistic regression analysis is then used to describe the demographic, comorbid, and laboratory parameters associated with high serum phosphorus. Serum phosphorus was similar in these two study populations and averaged 6.2 mg/dL. Ten percent of patients had levels greater than 9 mg/dL and at least 30% of each group had serum phosphorus levels greater than 7 mg/dL. The adjusted relative risk of death by serum phosphorus level was not uniform across all quintiles, being constant below a level of 6.5 mg/dL and increasing significantly above this level. The relative risk of death for those with a serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL was 1.27 relative to those with a serum phosphorus of 2.4 to 6.5 mg/dL. This increased risk was not diminished by statistical adjustment for coexisting medical conditions, delivered dose of dialysis, nutritional parameters, or markers of noncompliance. Evaluation of predictors of serum phosphorus greater than 6.5 mg/dL revealed in multivariate analysis that younger age at onset of ESRD, female sex, white race, diabetes, active smoking, and higher serum creatinine levels were all significant predictors. Analysis of serum calcium revealed no correlation with relative risk of death. The Ca x PO4 product, however, showed a mortality risk trend similar to that seen with serum phosphorus alone. Those in the highest quintile of the Ca x PO4 product (>72 mg2/dL2) had a relative mortality risk of 1.34 relative to those with products of 42 to 52 mg2/dL2. The relative mortality risk by log parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was elevated for patients with higher levels, but the mortality risk associated with hyperphosphatemia was independent of PTH. For hemodialysis patients who have been receiving dialysis for at least 1 year, we conclude that a large percentage have a serum phosphorus level above 6.5 mg/dL and that this places them at increased risk of death. This increased risk is independent of PTH. The mechanism(s) responsible for death is unknown, but may be related to an abnormally high Ca x PO4 product. Although mechanisms are not clearly established, this study supports the need for vigorous control of hyperphosphatemia to improve patient survival. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Apr;31(4):607-17)

Diane E Brown - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Calcification in a Colony of Inbred
    2016
    Co-Authors: Hypervitaminosis D, H Holcombe, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, N. M. Parry, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, uri-nalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; how-ever, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet recall, the remaining guinea pigs increased their food intake and regained body condition. Diagnostic testing of 8 animals euthanized approximately 3 months after returning to a normal diet demonstrated that serum parathyroid hormone remained significantly lower, and ionized calcium and ionized magnesium were significantly higher, in recovered animals compared to controls and exposed animals. These results indicate that diagnostic tests other than serum calcium are necessary for a diag-nosis of hypervitaminosis D in guinea pigs

  • hypervitaminosis d and Metastatic Calcification in a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs cavia porcellus
    Veterinary Pathology, 2015
    Co-Authors: H Holcombe, Nicola Parry, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; however, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet re...

  • hypervitaminosis d and Metastatic Calcification in a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs cavia porcellus
    Veterinary Pathology, 2015
    Co-Authors: H Holcombe, Nicola Parry, Markus Rick, Diane E Brown, Theresa M Albers, Kent R Refsal, J Morris, R Kelly, S T Marko
    Abstract:

    A commercial diet fed to a colony of inbred strain 13 guinea pigs for approximately 6 weeks was subsequently recalled for excessive levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one of 62 animals exhibited clinical signs, including anorexia, lethargy, and poor body condition. Nine affected and 4 clinically normal animals were euthanized for further evaluation, including serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gross and/or histopathology. Macroscopic findings included white discoloration in multiple organs in 8 animals, and microscopic evaluation confirmed multiorgan mineralization in tissues from 7 animals. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were elevated in 10 animals. Serum inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all exposed animals; however, total calcium and ionized calcium levels were not significantly higher in exposed animals than in control strain 13 guinea pigs from a different institution. The data support a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D with Metastatic Calcification. Following the diet recall, the remaining guinea pigs increased their food intake and regained body condition. Diagnostic testing of 8 animals euthanized approximately 3 months after returning to a normal diet demonstrated that serum parathyroid hormone remained significantly lower, and ionized calcium and ionized magnesium were significantly higher, in recovered animals compared to controls and exposed animals. These results indicate that diagnostic tests other than serum calcium are necessary for a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D in guinea pigs.