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Transient effectiveness of vitamin D2 therapy in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients

Deanna M Green1, Amanda R Leonard, Shruti M Paranjape

  • 1Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
|February 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D(2) supplementation effectively corrected vitamin D insufficiency in about half of pediatric cystic fibrosis patients. However, sustained normal levels were not maintained long-term, indicating transient effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Pulmonology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D insufficiency is common in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • Current treatment effectiveness for vitamin D insufficiency in pediatric CF is not well-established.
  • This study evaluated a specific vitamin D(2) regimen for insufficiency in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of vitamin D(2) 50,000 IU daily for 28 days in treating vitamin D insufficiency in pediatric CF patients.
  • To determine if patients could maintain adequate vitamin D levels after treatment completion.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric CF patients (2006-2008).
  • Patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels <30 ng/mL received vitamin D(2) 50,000 IU daily for 28 days.
  • Repeat 25-OHD levels were measured post-therapy.

Main Results:

  • Treatment success (achieving adequate levels) was observed in 54% of assessed instances (80/147).
  • Of 39 patients followed long-term (6-18 months), only 43% maintained levels >=30 ng/mL.
  • This suggests a high rate of relapse or inability to sustain sufficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D(2) 50,000 IU daily for 28 days partially corrects vitamin D insufficiency in pediatric CF.
  • The positive effects on vitamin D levels appear transient, with many patients unable to maintain sufficiency beyond 6 months.
  • Further research is needed to establish optimal long-term vitamin D management strategies for CF patients.
Abstract

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