Vitamin D₃ supplementation in adults with bronchiectasis: A pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Immunology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D plays a role in innate and adaptive immunity, potentially benefiting patients with bronchiectasis.
• Acute respiratory infections are common in bronchiectasis patients.
• Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in this population were not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess baseline serum 25(OH)D levels in New Zealand adults with bronchiectasis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D3 supplementation in increasing 25(OH)D levels.
• To explore secondary outcomes including infection rates, lung function, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving adults with bronchiectasis in New Zealand.
• Participants received a vitamin D3 loading dose followed by weekly oral supplementation for 24 weeks.
• Serum 25(OH)D and cathelicidin levels were measured, alongside respiratory infection data, spirometry, and quality of life questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The average baseline serum 25(OH)D level was 71 nmol/L, increasing significantly after supplementation to 218 nmol/L at 12 weeks and 205 nmol/L at 24 weeks.
• Serum cathelicidin levels also increased significantly post-supplementation.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in the Leicester Cough Questionnaire and Dartmouth COOP charts score, with no significant adverse effects reported.

Conclusions:

• Many New Zealand adults with bronchiectasis have adequate vitamin D levels.
• Weekly vitamin D3 supplementation is effective in significantly improving serum 25(OH)D levels in this population.
• Further research into vitamin D's role in bronchiectasis management is warranted.