Vitamin D3 is not effective in the treatment of chronic chilblains.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Chronic chilblains is a common disease causing major restrictions in daily life, nevertheless little is known about effective treatment. In a literature search, we found thin evidence of three interventions: fluocinolone cream, nifedipine and vitamin D3.

OBJECTIVE:

We have conducted a study to assess the effect of oral administration of 2000 IU vitamin D3 per day on patients suffering from chronic chilblains.

METHODS:

The study was based on a self-controlled design. The study population consisted of patients with a confirmed diagnosis. Outcome measurement was the change in severity of the complaints and disability. We checked for interference by temperature and other confounders.

LIMITATIONS:

The size of the cohort (n = 33) was a limitation.

RESULTS:

After correction for confounding factors, 19% of the subjects reported fewer complaints and 6% fewer disability, in both the placebo and vitamin D3 treatment groups.

CONCLUSION:

Oral administration of 2000 IU vitamin D3 per day is not better than placebo in the treatment of patients with chronic chilblains.

• Authors: I H Souwer, A L M Lagro-Janssen
• Journal: International journal of clinical practice (Int J Clin Pract) Vol. 63 Issue 2 Pg. 282-6 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1742-1241 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 19196366 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Vitamins
• Cholecalciferol

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Chilblains (drug therapy)
• Cholecalciferol (therapeutic use)
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Treatment Failure
• Vitamins (therapeutic use)
• Young Adult