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Osteoporosis International

Published in:

01-11-2008 | Original Article

Rapid correction of low vitamin D status in nursing home residents

Authors: R. Przybelski, S. Agrawal, D. Krueger, J. A. Engelke, F. Walbrun, N. Binkley

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 11/2008

Abstract

Summary

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.

Introduction

Low vitamin D status is common among nursing home residents and contributes to bone loss, falls and fractures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short course, high dose, oral vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol) treatment.

Methods

This prospective study included 63 nursing home residents. The 25 with low vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D ≤ 25 ng/ml) received oral ergocalciferol 50,000 IU three times weekly for four weeks; 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 four weeks.

Results

Mean total 25(OH)D concentration increased (p < 0.0001) 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 (p < 0.0001) with D₂ treatment from 15.4 to 9.1 ng/ml. Serum PTH trended down in the treatment group (p = 0.06). No treatment-induced improvement in ambulation, cognition or behavior was observed. No hypercalcemia or other adverse effects were observed with ergocalciferol treatment.

Conclusion

Four weeks of oral vitamin D₂ supplementation effectively and safely normalizes serum 25(OH)D in nursing home residents.

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Title: Rapid correction of low vitamin D status in nursing home residents
Authors: R. Przybelski
S. Agrawal
D. Krueger
J. A. Engelke
F. Walbrun
N. Binkley
Publication date: 01-11-2008
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 11/2008
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0619-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Rapid correction of low vitamin D status in nursing home residents

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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