Vitamin D deficiency: A simple algorithm employing weekly administration of 50,000 IU of vitamin D

Abstract

ObjectiveVitamin D deficiency affects parathyroid hormone levels and is endemic in the American population due to diet and lifestyle. The aim of this study was to evaluate a treatment algorithm using weekly doses of 50,000IU of Vitamin D2 for thyroid and parathyroid surgery patients. Study DesignProspective, non-randomized. SettingUniversity health sciences center. Subjects and MethodsPatients at a thyroid center being treated for benign and malignant thyroid diseases or parathyroid disease. Subjects with total vitamin D levels less than 30ng/dl were prospectively treated with weekly doses of 50,000IU of vitamin D2 (D2) for durations dependent upon initial vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels. Vitamin D levels were measured after the treatment intervals and change in levels from baseline was determined. ResultsSubjects receiving 8weeks of therapy demonstrated an average increase in vitamin D level of 13.4ng/ml, 10weeks of therapy showed an increase of 16.35ng/ml, and 12weeks showed an average increase of 21.6ng/ml. The treatment groups had success rates of 82%, 75%, and 71% after 8, 10, and 12weeks of therapy respectively. When only compliant patients were evaluated (defined as greater than 3-ng/ml increase after therapy), the success rates after 8, 10, and 12weeks increased to 95%, 79%, and 71% respectively. ConclusionsA simple algorithm using 50,000IU of vitamin D2 corrects its deficiency in the majority of subjects treated. This is a simple method of treatment for thyroid and parathyroid patients who are vitamin D deficient. Thyroid and parathyroid conditions are frequently treated by otolaryngologists and vitamin D deficiency can complicate their diagnosis and/or management.