Rapid correction of low vitamin D status in nursing home residents
Przybelski R et al. – This prospective study finds that ergocalciferol 50,000 IU three times weekly for four weeks effectively and safely corrects vitamin D inadequacy in nursing home residents. Methods- Study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short course, high dose, oral vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) treatment
- 63 nursing home residents were enrolled
- The 25 with low vitamin D status received oral ergocalciferol 50,000 IU x3 weekly for 4 wks; the others received no change to their routine care
- Serum total 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone turnover markers and neuro-cognitive assessments were obtained at baseline and 4 wks
Results- Mean total 25(OH)D concentration increased from 17.3 to 63.8 ng/ml in the treated group and remained unchanged in the comparison group
- Serum 25(OH)D3 remained stable in the comparison group, but declined with D2 treatment from 15.4 to 9.1 ng/ml
- Serum PTH trended down in the treatment group
- No treatment-induced improvement in ambulation, cognition or behavior was observed
- No hypercalcemia or other adverse effects were observed with ergocalciferol treatment
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