title: [Vitamin D deficiency in chronic liver disease, clinical-epidemiological analysis and report after vitamin d supplementation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vitamin D (VD) is known to have multiple extra-skeletal health functions. There is emerging interest in exploring the relationship between vitamin D and chronic liver disease (CLD).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of VD deficiency in patients with CLD in our setting and to assess whether VD supplementation influences plasma levels and is associated with improved liver function.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a study in 2 phases. First, we analysed clinical and epidemiological characteristics in 94 patients with CLD; second, different doses of calcifediol (25-OH-VD) were administered to patients with VD deficiency (<20ng/mL) and insufficiency (20-30ng/mL). Plasma concentrations and liver function (Child-Pugh and MELD) at the end of treatment were compared with baseline data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Deficient or insufficient VD levels were found in 87% of the patients, with an average concentration of 18.8ng/mL. Levels were lower in patients with cirrhosis (15.9ng/mL) (P=.002) and in alcoholic liver disease. VD levels were inversely proportional to the degree of liver function: Child A (16.52ng/mL) vs C (7.75ng/mL). After VD supplementation, optimal serum levels were achieved in 94% of patients and significant improvements were observed in platelet count, albumin levels (P<.05) and functional status assessed by the Child-Pugh scale (P<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the high prevalence of VD deficiency or insufficiency, the need for screening should be considered in the population with CLD. VD supplementation could be safe and effective.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de León, León, España. Electronic address: nereidaff@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nereida
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fernández Fernández
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de León, León, España.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Linares Torres
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de León, León, España.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Joáo Matias
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de León, León, España.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jorquera Plaza
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de León, León, España.
authors.forename: Jose Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Olcoz Goñi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D
keywords: Aporte; Child Pugh; Chronic liver disease; Cirrhosis; Cirrosis; Enfermedad hepática crónica; Función hepática; Liver function; Supplementation; Vitamin D; Vitamina D