Very high-dose ergocalciferol is effective for correcting vitamin D deficiency in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract

Approximately 10-80% of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) have vitamin D deficiency. Obtaining therapeutic vitamin D levels has been a challenge for CF care providers using current recommended high-dose oral ergocalciferol (400,000 IU over 2 months). The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 2-week, very high dose ergocalciferol (700,000 IU over 14 days) repletion strategy in children and young adults with CF. As part of a quality improvement initiative, a prospective cohort study was performed from January through May 2007. Phase I included identifying individuals with CF who were subtherapeutic in 25-OH D. In phase II, 50,000 IU of ergocalciferol was prescribed for a 14 day term and administered daily. During phase III, a post treatment 25-OH D level was obtained to determine improvement. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained at study entry. Stratification of the post 25-OHD levels was defined. Eighteen individuals with CF participated in the study. The mean age was 17+/-5 years (range 6-25 years). One hundred percent were pancreatic insufficient and required pancreatic enzyme replacement. All 18 had 25-OHD levels less than 30 ng/mL pre-treatment. Seventeen of the 18 (94%) participants became therapeutic in the 2-week interval. No patients had values considered high abnormal (100-150 ng/mL) or toxic (>150 ng/mL). Mean change was noted at an increase of 37.3+/-22 ng/mL in the 2-week period (p<0.001). Pre and peripubertal individuals had a significantly greater increase in 25-OH D levels. The results of this study demonstrate that very high dosing of vitamin D using oral ergocalciferol over a 14 day period is an effective strategy in achieving therapeutic levels of 25-OH vitamin D in children and young adults with CF. We believe this regimen deserves further study.

• Authors: Steven R Boas, Joseph R Hageman, Louisa T Ho, Marissa Liveris
• Journal: Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (J Cyst Fibros) Vol. 8 Issue 4 Pg. 270-2 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1873-5010 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 19447079 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase I, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ergocalciferols
• Vitamins

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Child
• Cystic Fibrosis (complications)
• Ergocalciferols (administration & dosage, adverse effects, blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Vitamin D Deficiency (complications, drug therapy)
• Vitamins (administration & dosage, adverse effects, blood)
• Young Adult