title: Randomised controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in sarcoidosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The role vitamin D intake/production plays in sarcoidosis-associated hypercalcaemia is uncertain. However, authoritative reviews have recommended avoiding sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplements, which might lead to adverse skeletal outcomes from vitamin D insufficiency. We investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on surrogate measures of skeletal health in patients with sarcoidosis and vitamin D insufficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical research centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  27 normocalcaemic patients with sarcoidosis and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) <50 nmol/L.
  
  
  METHODS
  50 000 IU weekly cholecalciferol for 4 weeks, then 50 000 IU monthly for 11 months or placebo.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary endpoint was the change in serum calcium over 12 months, and secondary endpoints included measurements of calcitropic hormones, bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of participants was 57 years and 70% were women. The mean (SD) screening 25OHD was 35 (12) and 38 (9) nmol/L in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Vitamin D supplementation increased 25OHD to 94 nmol/L after 4 weeks, 84 nmol/L at 6 months and 78 nmol/L at 12 months, while levels remained stable in the control group. 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D levels were significantly different between the groups at 4 weeks, but not at 6 or 12 months. There were no between-groups differences in albumin-adjusted serum calcium, 24 h urine calcium, markers of bone turnover, parathyroid hormone or BMD over the trial. One participant developed significant hypercalcaemia after 6 weeks (total cholecalciferol dose 250 000 IU).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients with sarcoidosis and 25OHD <50 nmol/L, vitamin D supplements did not alter average serum calcium or urine calcium, but had no benefit on surrogate markers of skeletal health and caused one case of significant hypercalcaemia.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This trial is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.anzctr.org.au). The registration number is ACTRN12607000364471, date of registration 5/7/2007.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bolland
authors.forename: Margaret L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wilsher
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grey
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.forename: Sheryl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fenwick
authors.forename: Greg D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Gamble
authors.forename: Ian R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Reid
keywords: THORACIC MEDICINE