title: Very high-dose ergocalciferol is effective for correcting vitamin D deficiency in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: Approximately 10-80% of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) have vitamin D deficiency. Obtaining therapeutic vitamin D levels has been a challenge for CF care providers using current recommended high-dose oral ergocalciferol (400,000 IU over 2 months). The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 2-week, very high dose ergocalciferol (700,000 IU over 14 days) repletion strategy in children and young adults with CF. As part of a quality improvement initiative, a prospective cohort study was performed from January through May 2007. Phase I included identifying individuals with CF who were subtherapeutic in 25-OH D. In phase II, 50,000 IU of ergocalciferol was prescribed for a 14 day term and administered daily. During phase III, a post treatment 25-OH D level was obtained to determine improvement. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained at study entry. Stratification of the post 25-OHD levels was defined. Eighteen individuals with CF participated in the study. The mean age was 17+/-5 years (range 6-25 years). One hundred percent were pancreatic insufficient and required pancreatic enzyme replacement. All 18 had 25-OHD levels less than 30 ng/mL pre-treatment. Seventeen of the 18 (94%) participants became therapeutic in the 2-week interval. No patients had values considered high abnormal (100-150 ng/mL) or toxic (>150 ng/mL). Mean change was noted at an increase of 37.3+/-22 ng/mL in the 2-week period (p<0.001). Pre and peripubertal individuals had a significantly greater increase in 25-OH D levels. The results of this study demonstrate that very high dosing of vitamin D using oral ergocalciferol over a 14 day period is an effective strategy in achieving therapeutic levels of 25-OH vitamin D in children and young adults with CF. We believe this regimen deserves further study.
authors.affiliation: Cystic Fibrosis Center of Chicago, 2401 Ravine Way, Suite 302, Glenview. Illinois 60025, USA. sboas@wecare4lungs.com
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Boas
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hageman
authors.forename: Louisa T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Marissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liveris
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D004872:Ergocalciferols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004872:Ergocalciferols; D014815:Vitamins