25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in renal transplant recipients.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Bone disease after kidney transplantation is a common problem. The serum levels of the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D] have been studied extensively. In contrast, there has not been much concern about the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D]. However, it is well recognized that serum levels of 1,25(OH)(2)D are often normal in vitamin D-deficient patients. Moreover, inadequate serum 25(OH)D may limit the extrarenal production of 1,25(OH)(2)D that could lead to increased risk of many chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE:

We analyzed whether renal transplant patients were at a higher risk of 25(OH)D deficiency because of the consequence of their need to protect themselves from sun exposure.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS:

We hypothesized that renal transplant recipients are at high risk to develop 25(OH)D deficiency. Serum 25(OH)D levels were analyzed in renal transplant patients with adequate renal function and in an age- and gender-matched control group (n = 31) at the end of winter. All renal transplant patients practiced solar UV-protection after transplantation. 25(OH)D levels were compared using a nonparametrical test (Wilcoxon rank sum test).

RESULTS:

Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in renal transplant patients compared with controls (P = 0.007). Geometric mean (with 95% confidence interval) in renal transplant patients was 10.9 ng/ml (8.2-14.3) compared with 20.0 ng/ml (15.7-25.5) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Renal transplant recipients are at high risk to develop 25(OH)D deficiency. Treatment with vitamin D is recommended to correct their vitamin D deficiency, which may help protect them from serious vitamin D deficiency-related health problems that include an increased risk for internal malignancies.

• Authors: Kerstin Querings, Matthias Girndt, Jürgen Geisel, Thomas Georg, Wolfgang Tilgen, Jörg Reichrath
• Journal: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (J Clin Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 91 Issue 2 Pg. 526-9 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 0021-972X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16303843 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Parathyroid Hormone
• Vitamin D
• 25-hydroxyvitamin D
• Creatinine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Creatinine (blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Kidney Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Parathyroid Hormone (blood)
• Seasons
• Statistics, Nonparametric
• Sunlight
• Vitamin D (analogs & derivatives, blood)
• Vitamin D Deficiency (blood, etiology)