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High-dose cholecalciferol supplementation for vitamin D deficiency in haemodialysis patients

E Jakopin1, B Pecovnik Balon, R Ekart

  • 1Department of Nephrology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia. e.jakopin@gmail.com

The Journal of International Medical Research
|August 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

High-dose monthly vitamin D(3) supplementation in haemodialysis patients was safe and well-tolerated. However, this regimen was insufficient to correct mild or severe vitamin D deficiency in these individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients, linked to increased mortality.
  • Current guidelines for vitamin D supplementation in HD patients are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of monthly high-dose cholecalciferol (vitamin D(3)) supplementation in HD patients.
  • To assess the safety and tolerability of this supplementation regimen.

Main Methods:

  • Patients with 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) < 75 nmol/l received 40,000 IU of cholecalciferol monthly for 3 months.
  • Treatment was continued in cycles based on 4-monthly 25(OH)D level assessments over 24 months.

Main Results:

  • The majority of HD patients presented with mild or severe vitamin D deficiency at baseline.
  • Monthly 40,000 IU cholecalciferol was safe, well-tolerated, and inexpensive.
  • The regimen effectively addressed vitamin D insufficiency but did not fully restore 25(OH)D levels in patients with mild or severe deficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Monthly high-dose cholecalciferol is a safe and cost-effective option for vitamin D insufficiency in HD patients.
  • This dosage and frequency may not be sufficient to correct established mild or severe vitamin D deficiency in this population.

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