Elevated PTH levels in hypovitaminosis D are more rapidly suppressed by the administration of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 than by vitamin D3.
OBJECTIVE
To assess markers of bone metabolism in two groups of inpatients with hypovitaminosis D and elevated PTH levels receiving two different vitamin D medications.


METHODS
26 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (2 degrees HP) were treated either with 800 IU cholecalciferol and 1000 mg calcium or 0.5 microgram calcitriol plus 500 mg calcium daily for 6 months. 25-OH-vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3, intact PTH, calcium and urinary N-telopeptides of bone collagen I were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months.


RESULTS
PTH levels decreased earlier in the calcitriol group than in the cholecalciferol group. After six month no difference could be documented. Lowering of urinary N-telopeptides excretion was observed in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of both forms of vitamin D supplementation appears to be useful for patients with hypovitaminosis D, elevated PTH levels and high telopeptide excretion.
Theiler
R
R
Dept. of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Basle, Switzerland.
Bischoff
H
H
Tyndall
A
A
Stähelin
H B
HB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003094:Collagen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D024042:Collagen Type I; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D010455:Peptides / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D013997:Time Factors; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
D024042:Collagen Type I; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D010455:Peptides; C052929:collagen type I trimeric cross-linked peptide; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D003094:Collagen; D002117:Calcitriol; D002118:Calcium