Effect of high dose ergocalciferol in chronic kidney disease patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with various metabolic derangements.
• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in predialysis CKD patients, impacting overall health.
• Assessing 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) levels is crucial for managing CKD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) deficiency in predialysis CKD patients.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose ergocalciferol supplementation for correcting 25-OH-D deficiency in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 56 predialysis CKD patients (eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m²) were screened for 25-OH-D levels.
• Forty-four patients with 25-OH-D deficiency were enrolled in a prospective observational study.
• High-dose oral ergocalciferol was administered for eight weeks, with biochemical parameters reassessed.

Main Results:

• The mean 25-OH-D level was 25.6 ± 8 ng/mL; 78.5% had levels <30 ng/mL, and 7.1% had severe deficiency (<15 ng/mL).
• Ergocalciferol supplementation increased 25-OH-D levels in 95% of patients, significantly from 22 ± 4.8 to 34.5 ± 10.8 ng/mL (p < 0.001).
• No significant changes in serum calcium, phosphate, or PTH were observed, with no reported side effects.

Conclusions:

• 25-OH-D deficiency is highly prevalent in predialysis CKD patients.
• High-dose ergocalciferol is a safe and effective therapeutic option for correcting 25-OH-D deficiency in predialysis CKD.
• Supplementation improved vitamin D status without adverse effects on mineral metabolism or PTH levels.