Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Boys with Risperidone-Induced Hyperprolactinemia: A Randomized,...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Pharmacology
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Antipsychotic medications can impair bone mineralization, partly due to hyperprolactinemia.
• Boys using risperidone may experience hyperprolactinemia, affecting bone health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if calcium and vitamin D supplementation can enhance bone mineral accrual in boys with risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia.

Main Methods:

• A 36-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 5- to 17-year-old boys.
• Supplementation with calcium carbonate (1250 mg) and vitamin D3 (400 IU) daily.
• Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using DXA and pQCT.

Main Results:

• Supplementation did not significantly increase BMC or trabecular BMD.
• Dietary calcium intake was below recommended levels, but vitamin D levels were normal at baseline.
• No significant effects on other skeletal, anthropometric, or vitamin D outcomes were observed.

Conclusions:

• A modest dose of calcium and vitamin D over 9 months did not improve bone mass accrual in boys treated with risperidone and experiencing hyperprolactinemia.
• Alternative strategies are necessary to address bone health in this patient group.
• This pilot study highlights the need for further investigation into optimizing bone health to prevent long-term complications.