Vitamin D status and cholecalciferol supplementation in chronic kidney disease patients: an Italian cohort report
International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease November 2015 Volume 2015:8 Pages 151—157
Cupisti A, Vigo V, Baronti ME, D’Alessandro C, Ghiadoni L, Egidi MF
Nephrology, Transplant and Dialysis Division, AOUP, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
This study investigated the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D, in a cohort of 405 prevalent patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2–4, living in Italy and followed-up in tertiary care.
The effect of cholecalciferol 10,000 IU once-a-week for 12 months was evaluated in a subgroup of 100 consecutive patients with hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 269 patients (66.4%) whereas vitamin D insufficiency was found in 67 patients (16.5%). In diabetic patients, 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was detected in 80% of cases. In patients older than 65 years, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 89%. In the univariate analysis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D was negatively related to age, parathyroid hormone (PTH), proteinuria, and Charlson index, while a positive relationship has emerged with hemoglobin level. On multiple regression analysis, only age and PTH levels were independently associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. No relationship emerged between vitamin D deficiency and renal function. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D or prevalence of hypovitaminosis D did not differ between patients on a free-choice diet and on a renal diet, including low-protein, low-phosphorus regimens. Twelve-month oral cholecalciferol administration increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D and reduced PTH serum levels.
In summary, hypovitaminosis D is very prevalent in CKD patients (83%) in Italy, and it is similar to other locations. PTH serum levels and age, but not renal function, are the major correlates of hypovitaminosis D. Implementation of renal diets is not associated with higher risk of vitamin D depletion. Oral cholecalciferol administration increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D and mildly reduced PTH serum levels. Oral cholecalciferol supplementation should be recommended as a regular practice in CKD patients, also when serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D determination is not available or feasible.
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- Hyperparathyroidism resulting from CKD eliminated by 8,000 IU of vitamin D daily for 12 weeks– RCT 2018
- Bone biomarkers increased equally by daily, weekly, or monthly Vitamin D (CKD in children in this case) – Nov 2022
- Vitamin D treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease: monthly better than daily – RCT May 2022
- 1,000 IU of vitamin D provides little benefit (Kidney transplant in this case) – April 2021
- Kidney patients who happened to be getting high-dose Calcitriol were 9X less likely to die of COVID-19 - April 6, 2021
- Chronic Kidney Disease (stage 3) slowed by 30 ng of Vitamin D and Calcitriol – Dec 2019
- Diabetic nephropathy (Kidney) treated by 50,000 IU of vitamin D weekly – RCT Jan 2019
- Hemodialysis patients (CKD) helped by weekly 50,000 IU of vitamin D – Jan 2017
- Kidney disease helped by active or high dose Vitamin D - Feb 2014
- Peritoneal Dialysis nicely treated by active vitamin D – July 2013
- 7100 IU (50000 weekly) restored vitamin D levels for those with Chronic Kidney Disease – July 2012
- Chronic Kidney Disease reduced with 3600 IU vitamin D (50000 twice a month)– RCT Aug 2012