RENAL MANIFESTATIONS AND ABNORMAL CALCIUM-METABOLISM IN SARCOIDOSIS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 49  (195) , 233-247
Abstract
Forty-two patients with sarcoidosis were studied with special attention to renal disease and disturbance of Ca metabolism. Abnormal Ca metabolism was found in 19 patients and prednisone corrected hypercalcemia in those affected within 2 wk, except in 1 patient who had concomitant primary hyperparathyroidism. Renal failure was found in 19 patients, 15 of whom had hypercalcemia. Prednisone had a beneficial effect on kidney function within 4 wk in all patients except in 1 with co-existing glomerulonephritis. Arterial hypertension was found in 6 patients, proteinuria in 6 and calcinosis in 6. Among 14 patients who underwent renal biopsy, granulomas were found in 5. In only 1 of these was granulomatosis extensive bringing out renal failure and death within 2 yr after temporary remission with prednisone. Co-existent non-sarcoid diseases affecting the kidneys or Ca metabolism occurred in 10 of 23 patients with sarcoidosis and kidney disease/Ca abnormality. In most cases these conditions contributed more to the prognosis than did sarcoidosis. From the present series and review of the literature it appears that young males within the 1st 2 yr of diagnosis are at the greatest risk of hypercalcemia or kidney disease.

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