Ergocalciferol and Cholecalciferol in CKD
American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 05/08/2012  Clinical Article

Nigwekar SU et al. – The development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by a progressive decrease in the ability to produce 1,25–dihydroxyvitamin D. Pharmacological replacement with active vitamin D therefore has been a cornerstone of secondary hyperparathyroidism therapy in the end–stage renal disease population treated by long–term dialysis. Recent evidence suggests that extrarenal conversion of 25–hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25–dihydroxyvitamin D may have significant biological roles beyond those traditionally ascribed to vitamin D. Furthermore, low 25–hydroxyvitamin D levels are common in patients with all stages of CKD.