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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