Effect of Cholecalciferol Supplementation on Treatment Response and IL-10 Level in Vitamin D Deficient Parthenium Dermatitis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to Parthenium is a chronic disease associated with frequent relapses and significant disturbance in the quality of life. The affected patients have lower circulating levels and decreased expression of IL-10. Hence, measures to increase its level may enhance the therapeutic outcome. The clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on treatment response and IL-10 level in Parthenium dermatitis patients with vitamin D deficiency. A total of 72 patients were recruited and randomized to receive either cholecalciferol tablet 60,000 IU per week or matching placebo for 8 weeks with standard background treatment. Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks while IL-10 and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and IL-10 showed a significant rise in both placebo and vitamin D groups following the intervention. The relatively higher increase in IL-10 level observed in the vitamin D group was statistically insignificant compared to placebo group. Significant reduction in EASI, as well as DLQI scores, was noted after 1 and 2 months, but the reduction in these scales was not significantly different between the groups. Cholecalciferol supplementation for 2 months did not reduce the disease severity in clinically diagnosed Parthenium dermatitis patients. However, treatment initiation significantly improved plasma IL-10 levels after 2 months in both placebo and cholecalciferol groups.