The effect of intramuscular vitamin D (cholecalciferol) on serum 25OH vitamin D levels in older female acute hospital admissions.
BACKGROUND
Many studies have demonstrated the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the older population.


OBJECTIVE
This study sought to determine whether supplementation with intramuscular vitamin D improved 25OH vitamin D levels significantly.


METHODS
Ninety female inpatients aged over 65 years were assigned to receive 300,000 IU of intramuscular vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or no intervention.


METHODS
Baseline 25OH vitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were taken and repeated 3 months after supplementation.


RESULTS
Patients who received treatment showed a significant improvement in 25OH vitamin D levels, from 25.5 to 81 nmol/L with 11% remaining deficient. No patient became hypercalcaemic after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D deficiency is common throughout all age groups in the Irish population and particularly the older female population who have increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Intramuscular vitamin D significantly improves 25OH vitamin D levels compared to no treatment and may combat non-compliance with oral medication.
Nugent
C
C
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland. cathalnugent@gmail.com
Roche
K
K
Wilson
S
S
Fitzgibbon
M
M
Griffin
D
D
Nichaidhin
N
N
Mulkerrin
E
E
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000209:etiology; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D002762:Cholecalciferol