Intramuscular Cholecalciferol Research Articles

High Dose Intramuscular Vitamin D3 Supplementation Impacts the Gut Microbiota of Patients With Clostridioides Difficile Infection.

Background and AimCurrent therapeutic strategies for Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI), including oral vancomycin, metronidazole and fecal microbial transplantation, have limited efficacy and treatment failure may occur in as many as one- third of cases. Recent studies have reported that lower concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are associated with CDI severity and recurrence. However, there have been no studies on microbiota composition after the administration of vitamin D in patients with CDI. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the microbiota composition between the two groups, including eight CDI-positive patients with vitamin D supplementation and ten CDI-positive patients without vitamin D supplementation by using 16S rRNA microbial profiling.MethodsTwenty subjects were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled study. One subject dropped out due to lack of contact with the guardian after discharge and one subject dropped out due to withdrawal of consent. Thus, 18 patients with CDI and vitamin D insufficiency (vitamin D level < 17 ng/mL) were divided into two groups: CDI with vitamin D supplementation (n = 8) and CDI without vitamin D supplementation (control: n = 10). Subjects with vitamin D insufficiency were randomized to receive 200,000 IU intramuscular cholecalciferol whereas patients in the control group received only oral vancomycin. Stool samples were obtained twice before vancomycin was administered and eight weeks after treatment; the V3-V4 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing was performed using EzBioCloud.ResultsThe alpha diversity of the gut microbiota in the recovery state was significantly higher than that in the CDI state. Analysis of bacterial relative abundance showed significantly lower Proteobacteria and higher Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Bifidobacteriaceae in the recovery state. When comparing the control and vitamin D treatment groups after eight weeks, increase in alpha diversity and, abundance of Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae exhibited the same trend in both groups. A significant increase in Bifidobacteriaceae and Christensenellaceae was observed in the vitamin D group; Proteobacteria abundance was significantly lower in the vitamin D treatment group after eight weeks than that in the control group.ConclusionOur study confirmed that the increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteriaceae, and Christensenellaceae were prominently evident during recovery after administration of a high dose of cholecalciferol. These findings indicate that vitamin D administration may be useful in patients with CDI, and further studies with larger sample sizes are required.

Impact of Vitamin D Therapy on the Progress COVID-19: Six Weeks Follow-Up Study of Vitamin D Deficient Elderly Diabetes Patients

BackgroundCoronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic causing considerable fatalities worldwide. Vitamin D modulates the immune response through effects on various cells, such as: macrophages, B and T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells.AimTo explore whether supplementation of vitamin D, in the form of a single intramuscular cholecalciferol injection, to patients with diabetes, COVID-19, and low vitamin D levels could improve the prognosis of those patients.MethodsThis was a placebo-controlled randomized prospective study. The study has two arms as follows: the intervention arm (40 vitamin D deficient diabetes elderly patients that acquired SARS-CoV-2), compared to the control arm (16 elderly diabetes patients, with deficient vitamin D with SARS-CoV-2). Patients in the intervention arm were given vitamin D as a single intramuscular injection (200,000 IU); patients in the control arm were given placebo. The primary outcome was mortality within 6 weeks of the diagnosis of COVID-19. Clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were recorded after 6 weeks of follow-up.ResultsNo significant difference in 6 weeks mortality was observed between patients who received vitamin D and patients who received placebo (17.5% vs 18.8%, p = 0.838). Age, presence of hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent predictors of mortality at 6 weeks.ConclusionVitamin D supplementation did not reduce the severity or mortality of COVID-19 at 6 weeks. Further large scale studies are required to explore the effect of vitamin D therapy on survival in patients with diabetes mellitus who acquire COVID-19.

Oral versus intramuscular cholecalciferol replacement in hemodialysis patients with vitamin D deficiency

Introduction: Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level in hemodialysis (HD) patients is associated with high bone turnover, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Objective: To investigate the efficacy of equivalent doses of pulse oral cholecalciferol versus intramuscular (IM) cholecalciferol in correcting serum 25(OH)D levels in HD patients with vitamin D deficiency. Patients and Methods: In a prospective randomized open-label clinical trial, 80 HD patients with 25(OH)D level &lt;20 ng/mL and serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level &gt;100 pg/mL were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I: 40 HD patients received oral cholecalciferol 25 000 IU weekly for 12 weeks. Group II: 40 HD patients received a single dose of IM cholecalciferol 300 000 IU. Patients were maintained on their regular medications as alfacalcidol or phosphate binders. Serum calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)D, alkaline phosphatase and iPTH were monitored at 0, 6th, and 12th week of intervention. Results: Significant increase in serum 25(OH)D level in group II patients who received IM (intramuscular) cholecalciferol, with delta mean a change of vitamin D level was 2.92 ±7.29 ng/mL over three months in comparison to the insignificant change in oral cholecalciferol group. Additionally there was a significant increase in the mean of serum calcium in comparison to oral cholecalciferol group, while we found a statistically significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase level in both groups too (P&lt;0.05). The mean of iPTH levels was reduced significantly with IM cholecalciferol dose (1064.00 ± 787.60 to 609.9 ± 551.41 pg/mL; P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Intramuscular cholecalciferol dose is more effective at increasing 25(OH) D levels in dialysis patients than oral supplementation, achieves more increase in serum calcium and reduce iPTH levels. However, the longer duration of treatment is required to achieve recommended levels of vitamin D and suppress high iPTH levels.

P1413EFFECT OF PULSE ORAL VERSUS INTRAMUSCULAR VITAMIN D REPLACEMENT IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH VITAMIN D DEFECIENCY

Abstract Background and Aims Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is common in patients with chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis (HD) patients . It has been associated with high bone turnover, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). We aimed to investigate the efficacy of equivalent doses of pulse oral cholecalciferol (25,000 IU weekly for 12 weeks) versus single intramuscular cholecalciferol (300,000 IU) in correcting serum 25 (OH) D levels in HD patients. Method Prospective randomized open label Clinical trial. 40 prevalent HD patients with vitamin D deficiency were enrolled. Serum 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (25 (OH) D) level &amp;lt; 20 ng/m and Serum parathyroid hormone level ( iPTH) &amp;gt;100 pg/ml. Exclusion Criteria were serum calcium &amp;gt; 10 .5mg/dl, Calcium phosphorus product ≥ 55, tertiary hyperparathyroidism and Parathyroidectomy among others. Patients were randomized equally into two groups. 36 patients were compliant and completed the study. Group I :17 HD patients received oral cholecalciferol 25000 IU weekly of (Vidrop® 2800 IU/ml ) for 12 weeks. Group II: 19 HD patients received a single intramuscular injection (IM) of cholecalciferol 300,000 IU (Devarol® 200000 IU/ ampoule). Vitamin D supplements were stopped if serum calcium &amp;gt;10.5mg/dl or 25(OH) D level &amp;gt; 100 ng /ml (toxic level) during study. Serum calcium (albumin-adjusted), phosphorus, 25(OH) D by ELISA, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were monitored at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. Both groups were maintained on their regular medications used to control mineral bone disorder as: alfacalcidol, sevelamer or a calcium-based chelator. Results Significant increase in serum 25(OH) D level in group II patients who received single dose IM Cholecalciferol after 12 w. Means of 25 (OH)D levels basal and 12 w of study were (10.54±5.14 and 13.45 ±5.72) ng/ml respectively. There was a significant increase in the mean of serum calcium basal and at 12 w (8.19±0.69 and 8.42 ±0.54) mg/dl respectively. No significant reduction in the iPTH level or any significant change in the serum phosphorus level was noticed. compared to group I with oral vitamin D, there was an insignificant change in the mean of serum 25(OH) D basal and at 12 w were (11.91±6.13 and 9.30±5.29) ng/ml respectively, associated with insignificant increase in serum calcium and an insignificant change in either the level of phosphorus or iPTH level. Conclusion Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU IM single dose showed better response on serum 25 (OH) D and calcium levels as a treatment of hemodialysis patients with Vitamin D deficiency compared to weekly oral dose for 3 months.

Effects of Micronutrients or Conditional Amino Acids on COVID-19-Related Outcomes: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review

Recent narrative reviews have described the potential efficacy of providing individuals infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with additional micronutrients to reduce disease severity. Although there are compelling reasons why providing additional micronutrients or conditional amino acids may affect COVID-19-related outcomes, evidence is lacking. The objective of this scoping review is to explore and describe the literature examining the effect of providing additional micronutrients or conditional amino acids (glutamine, arginine) in adults with conditions or infections similar to COVID-19 infection on COVID-19-related health outcomes. A literature search of the MEDLINE database and hand search of Cochrane Database of systematic reviews retrieved 1,423 unique studies, and 8 studies were included in this scoping review. Four studies examined a target population with ventilator-related pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and the other 4 studies included patients who were at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Interventions included intravenous ascorbic acid, intramuscular cholecalciferol, enteral and intramuscular vitamin E, enteral zinc sulfate, and oral and parenteral glutamine. In 6 of the 8 included studies, baseline status of the nutrient of interest was not reported and, thus, it is uncertain how outcomes may vary in the context of nutrient deficiency or insufficiency compared with sufficiency. In the absence of direct evidence examining efficacy of providing additional micronutrients or conditional amino acids to standard care, registered dietitian nutritionists must rely on clinical expertise and indirect evidence to guide medical nutrition therapy for patients infected with COVID-19.

Vitamin D status and supplementation in adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critical illness is known to be high and associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency due to high severity of acute illness. Challenges with drug dosing in ECMO patients are recognised due to increased volume of distribution and drug absorption to circuit components. To describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in ECMO patients and the effect of intramuscular dosing of cholecalciferol on levels of vitamin D metabolites, and to compare these data with intensive care unit (ICU) patients not receiving ECMO, two prospective studies were performed sequentially: an observational study of 100 consecutive ICU patients and an interventional study assessing effects of intramuscular cholecalciferol in 50 ICU patients. The subgroup of patients who required ECMO support in each of these studies was analysed and compared to patients who did not receive ECMO. Twenty-four ECMO patients, 12 from the observational study and 12 from the interventional study (who received intramuscular cholecalciferol) were studied-21/24 (88%) ECMO patients were vitamin D deficient at baseline compared to 65/126 (52%) of non-ECMO patients (<i>P</i>=0.006). Of the 12 ECMO patients who received cholecalciferol, six patients (50%) achieved correction of deficiency compared to 36/38 (95%) non-ECMO patients (<i>P</i>=0.001). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher in ECMO patients compared to other critically ill adults. Correction of deficiency with single dose cholecalciferol is not reliable; higher or repeated doses should be considered to correct deficiency.

Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of a Single Intramuscular High Dose versus an Oral Long-Term Supplementation of Cholecalciferol.

Background and ObjectivesVitamin D deficiency is frequent during the winter and occurs throughout the year in the elderly or patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of oral supplementation versus a single intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol in healthy individuals.Research design and methodsUp to 8,000 I.U. oral cholecalciferol was administered daily for 84 days in a 4 week dose-escalation setting to vitamin D deficient individuals. In another cohort, a single intramuscular injection of 100,000 I.U. cholecalciferol was given. In both cohorts, individuals without vitamin D intake served as the comparison group. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured in all individuals at defined time points throughout the studies.ResultsThe mean 25(OH)D serum concentration increased significantly after oral cholecalciferol intake compared to the control group (day 28: 83.4 nmol/l and 42.5 nmol/l; day 56: 127.4 nmol/l and 37.3 nmol/l; day 84: 159.7 nmol/l and 30.0 nmol/l). In individuals receiving 100,000 I.U. cholecalciferol intramuscular, the mean 25(OH)D serum concentration peaked after 4 weeks measuring 70.9 nmol/l compared to 32.7 nmol/l in the placebo group (p = 0.002). The increase of 25(OH)D serum concentrations after 28 days was comparable between both routes of administration (p = 0.264).ConclusionsOral and intramuscular cholecalciferol supplementation effectively increased serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

Effect of oral versus intramuscular Vitamin D replacement in apparently healthy adults with Vitamin D deficiency.

Context:A number of controversies exist regarding appropriate treatment strategy for Vitamin D deficiency.Aims:The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of equivalent doses of oral cholecalciferol (60,000 IU weekly for 5 weeks) versus intramuscular (IM) cholecalciferol (300,000 IU) in correcting Vitamin D deficiency in apparently healthy volunteers working in a hospital.Settings and Design:Prospective randomized open-label single institution study.Subjects and Methods:This study enrolled 40 apparently healthy adults with Vitamin D deficiency into 2 arms. The oral cholecalciferol group (n = 20) received oral cholecalciferol 60,000 IU weekly for 5 weeks while the IM cholecalciferol group (n = 20) received a single injection of cholecalciferol 300,000 IU. The main outcome measure was serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention.Statistical Analysis Used:Differences in serum 25OHD and other biochemical parameters at baseline and follow-up were analyzed using general linear model.Results:Mean 25OHD level at baseline was 5.99 ± 1.07 ng/mL and 7.40 ± 1.13 ng/mL (P = 0.332) in the oral cholecalciferol and IM cholecalciferol group, respectively. In the oral cholecalciferol group, serum 25OHD level was 20.20 ± 1.65 ng/mL at 6 weeks and 16.66 ± 1.36 ng/mL at 12 weeks. The corresponding serum 25OHD levels in the IM cholecalciferol group were 20.74 ± 1.81 ng/mL and 25.46 ± 1.37 ng/mL at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. At 12 weeks, the mean 25OHD levels in IM cholecalciferol group was higher as compared to the oral cholecalciferol group (25.46 ± 1.37 vs. 16.66 ± 1.36 ng/mL; P < 0.001).Conclusions:Both oral and IM routes are effective for the treatment of Vitamin D deficiency. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the IM cholecalciferol group showed a sustained increase from baseline.

Effect of replenishment of vitamin D on survival in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis: A prospective study.

AIMTo assess the vitamin D (VD) deficiency as a prognostic factor and effect of replenishment of VD on mortality in decompensated cirrhosis.METHODSPatients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were screened for serum VD levels. A total of 101 VD deficient patients (< 20 ng/mL) were randomly enrolled in two groups: Treatment group (n = 51) and control group (n = 50). Treatment group received VD treatment in the form of intramuscular cholecalciferol 300000 IU as loading dose and 800 IU/d oral as maintenance dose along with 1000 mg oral calcium supplementation. The VD level, clinical parameters and survival of both the groups were compared for 6-mo.RESULTSPrevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in decompensated CLD was 84.31%. The mean (SD) age of the patients in the treatment group (M:F: 40:11) and control group (M:F: 37:13) were 46.2 (± 14.93) years and 43.28 (± 12.53) years, respectively. Baseline mean (CI) VD (ng/mL) in control group and treatment group were 9.15 (8.35-9.94) and 9.65 (8.63-10.7), respectively. Mean (CI) serum VD level (ng/mL) at 6-mo in control group and treatment group were 9.02 (6.88-11.17) and 29 (23-35), respectively. Over the period of time the VD, calcium and phosphorus level was improved in treatment group compared to control group. There was non-significant trend seen in greater survival (69% vs 64%; P > 0.05) and longer survival (155 d vs 141 d; P > 0.05) in treatment group compared to control group. VD level had no significant association with mortality (P > 0.05). In multivariate analysis, treatment with VD supplement was found significantly (P < 0.05; adjusted hazard ratio: 0.48) associated with survival of the patients over 6-mo.CONCLUSIONVD deficiency is very common in patients of decompensated CLD. Replenishment of VD may improve survival in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Iron and vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease.

Iron and vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease.

Role of Vitamin D in Infliximab-induced Remission in Adult Patients with Crohn's Disease.

Vitamin D is a key immunomodulator and its deficiency is prevalent among Crohn's patients. The interaction between vitamin D and the response to infliximab induction therapy has not been previously described. Patients with moderate-severe Crohn's disease, defined as having a modified Harvey Bradshaw index ≥8, who were being induced with infliximab were recruited. Patients were divided into low and normal vitamin D groups. Patients were followed prospectively for 14 weeks for achievement of clinical remission (Harvey Bradshaw index <5). At week 14, vitamin D deficient patients were supplemented with intramuscular cholecalciferol; all patients were re-assessed at week 22. Serum cytokine levels were measured at weeks 0, 14, and 22. Twenty-eight patients initiating infliximab were included, with 54% of patients in the low vitamin D group. The proportion of patients in clinical remission was greater in the low vitamin D group compared with the normal vitamin D group at both week 14 (80% versus 23%, P = 0.007) and week 22 (79% versus 17%, P = 0.005). The low vitamin D group had higher baseline IL-6 levels (median, 4.4 [interquartile range, 2.0-5.7] versus 1.1 [0.8-1.7] pg/mL, P = 0.004) and lower interleukin-12 levels (0.3 [0.1-0.4] versus 0.5 [0.5-0.6] pg/mL, P = 0.006) compared with the normal vitamin D group. At week 14, IL-8 levels were significantly lower in the low vitamin D group compared with the normal vitamin D group (11.2 [9.1-13.8] versus 20.5 [17.9-37.2] pg/mL, P = 0.005). Crohn's patients initiating infliximab with a low vitamin D level are more likely to achieve infliximab-induced clinical remission at week 14.

Effect of intramuscular cholecalciferol megadose in children with nutritional rickets.

The treatment practices for vitamin D deficiency rickets are highly variable. Though a single intramuscular (IM) megadose of vitamin D is economical, and ensures good compliance, it poses the risk of hypervitaminosis D. This observational study was conducted to assess the duration of effect and safety of single IM megadose of cholecalciferol in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency rickets. Children younger than 14 years with rickets were enrolled. Baseline investigations included radiograph of wrists and estimation of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25(OH) vitamin D and parathormone (PTH) levels. All children received a single IM megadose of vitamin D3. Biochemical parameters were re-evaluated at 1.5, 3 and 6 months after the megadose and the values were compared to the baseline. We enrolled 21 children, out of which nine remained under active follow-up till 6 months. Radiological evidence of rickets was present in all 21 children, 14 had hypocalcemia at the time of presentation. After IM cholecalciferol megadose, median 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level remained significantly more than the baseline till 6 months after the megadose. At 1.5 months after the vitamin D megadose, three (30%) of the children were found to develop toxic levels of vitamin D (>150 ng/mL), although none had hypercalcemia or any clinical manifestation of vitamin D toxicity. At 3 months and 6 months after the megadose, 25(OH)D levels remained in the sufficient range (20-100 ng/mL) in seven out of the eight children who came for follow-up. A single IM megadose of vitamin D may be effective in significantly increasing the 25(OH)D levels for at least 6 months in children with rickets, but elevation of 25(OH)D to toxic range raises concern regarding its safety.

Vitamin D deficiency and its correction in children with sickle cell anaemia.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in sickle cell anaemia (SCA, HbSS), although its significance and optimal means of correction are unknown. We conducted an audit to assess the clinical significance of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) deficiency in children with SCA and to evaluate two methods of vitamin D supplementation. We audited 25-OHD levels in 81 children with SCA and looked for statistical associations with biochemical, haematological and clinical parameters. In a separate group of regularly transfused children with SCA, we compared changes in 25-OHD blood concentrations following treatment with either high-dose intramuscular ergocalciferol (n = 15) or 4 days of high-dose oral cholecalciferol (n = 64). Ninety-one percent of children with SCA had 25-OHD levels <20 μg/L. The 25-OHD levels were negatively correlated with increasing age (P < 0.001) but showed no significant relationship to laboratory measurements, transcranial Doppler velocities or hospital attendance. Both intramuscular ergocalciferol and oral cholecalciferol supplementations resulted in increases of 25-OHD blood concentration to normal levels. The mean dose of ergocalciferol was greater than that of cholecalciferol (7,729 versus 5,234 international units (IU)/kg, P < 0.001), but the increment in 25-OHD levels was significantly greater in the oral cholecalciferol group (6.44 versus 2.82 (ng/L)/(IU/kg), P < 0.001). Both approaches resulted in vitamin D sufficiency for about 120 days. Increased 25-OHD concentration was significantly associated with increased serum calcium concentration. Vitamin D deficiency is very common in SCA and can be effectively corrected with high-dose intramuscular ergocalciferol or 4 days of high-dose oral cholecalciferol. Prospective, randomised studies are needed to assess the clinical value of vitamin D supplementation.

Different strategies of 25OH vitamin D supplementation in HIV-positive subjects

Summary A high incidence of 25OH vitamin D deficiency has been observed in HIV-infected subjects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cholecalciferol administration on serum 25OH vitamin D levels in HIV-infected patients. This prospective cohort study included 153 HIV-positive subjects; 47 were treated with 300,000 IU intramuscular cholecalciferol, 67 with 25,000 IU oral cholecalciferol monthly, while the remaining 39 did not receive any treatment. The group treated orally had an increase of serum 25OH vitamin D concentration, changing from 15.7 ± 12.2 ng/mL to 27.4 ± 11.6 ng/mL after 10 months (T10). The group treated with intramuscular supplementation had an improvement, changing from 18.5 ± 10.5 ng/mL to 32.9.0 ± 12.2 ng/mL at T10. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance indicated a significant difference for 25OH vitamin D variation (p = 0.002) among the three groups. A significant effect of time (p < 0.001) and group × time interaction (p < 0.001) was found: at T10, 25OH vitamin D values were significantly higher in the oral and intramuscular groups with respect to the control group. Our findings showed that the supplementation with cholecalciferol in patients with HIV-infection improved 25OH vitamin D serum levels, and suggest that the two types of administration are equivalent, but are insufficient for severe forms of hypovitaminosis.

Is high-dose cholecalciferol justified in children with chronic kidney disease who failed low-dose maintenance therapy?

We aimed to investigate the effect of single, high-dose intramuscular cholecalciferol on vitamin D3 and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Between January 2012 and June 2012, we conducted a prospective, uncontrolled study at the Pediatric Nephrology Unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, to investigate the effect of single, high-dose intramuscular vitamin D3 on 25(OH)D3 and iPTH levels in vitamin D insufficient/deficient children with CKD. Serum vitamin D3, iPTH, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatinine levels were measured before intramuscular vitamin D3 (300,000 IU) administration, and these were subsequently repeated at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Nineteen children fulfilled the criteria. At 3 months after treatment, vitamin D3 levels were significantly higher than at baseline (p < 0.001) but lower than the levels at 1 month. iPTH levels decreased significantly at 3 months (p = 0.01); however, the drop in iPTH levels was not significant at 1 month (p = 0.447). There were no changes in calcium, phosphate, ALP, or creatinine levels after treatment. Single-dose intramuscular vitamin D3 (300,000 IU) resulted in significant improvement of vitamin D3 and iPTH levels in children with CKD.

Effect of a Single ‘Megadose’ Intramuscular Vitamin D (600,000 IU) Injection on Vitamin D Concentrations and Bone Mineral Density Following Biliopancreatic Diversion Surgery

Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is common following biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). We conducted a prospective open-label study to evaluate the efficacy of a single intramuscular injection with 600,000 IU of cholecalciferol in an arachis oil depot formulation (VitD3, Arachitol Solvay Pharmacia) as an adjunct to regular oral VitD supplementation (Citrical+D) for a period of 12 months following BPD surgery. Some 29 patients who had undergone BPD during 2000-2005 were recruited and received a single injection of 600,000 IU of cholecalciferol. Venous blood VitD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ionised calcium and urinary N-telopeptide (NTX) were assessed at baseline and at 1.5, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-injection. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined at baseline and 12 months post-injection. VitD concentrations (mean +/- SD) were significantly increased from baseline values (61.5 +/- 18.8 nmol/L) at 1.5 months (92.4 +/- 21.5, p < 0.001), 3 months (100.5 +/- 24.4, p < 0.001) and 6 months (79.1 +/- 20.9, p = 0.014) post-injection, with non-significant elevations at 9 months (73.3 +/- 15.1, p = 0.248) and 12 months (73.4 +/- 17.3, p = 0.278). The proportion of patients with 'normalised' VitD levels was significantly higher at all post-injection time points (range, 93-100%) compared with baseline (71.4%; p < 0.01). Ionised calcium and ALP remained within normal levels at baseline and all follow-up time points, although ionised calcium decreased by 3.4% (p = 0.015) and ALP increased by 14.6% (p = 0.021) at 12 months compared with baseline. No significant change in PTH, NTX or BMD was observed. Intramuscular cholecalciferol injection, as an adjunct to oral supplementation, appears a safe and effective method to increase and maintain VitD levels after BPD.

Female asylum seekers with musculoskeletal pain: the importance of diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D

BackgroundHypovitaminosis D is well known in different populations, but may be under diagnosed in certain populations. We aim to determine the first diagnosis considered, the duration and resolution of symptoms, and the predictors of response to treatment in female asylum seekers suffering from hypovitaminosis D.MethodsDesign: A pre- and post-intervention observational study.Setting: A network comprising an academic primary care centre and nurse practitioners.Participants: Consecutive records of 33 female asylum seekers with complaints compatible with osteomalacia and with hypovitaminosis D (serum 25-(OH) vitamin D <21 nmol/l).Treatment intervention: The patients received either two doses of 300,000 IU intramuscular cholecalciferol as well as 800 IU of cholecalciferol with 1000 mg of calcium orally, or the oral treatment only.Main outcome measures: We recorded the first diagnosis made by the physicians before the correct diagnosis of hypovitaminosis D, the duration of symptoms before diagnosis, the responders and non-responders to treatment, the duration of symptoms after treatment, and the number of medical visits and analgesic drugs prescribed 6 months before and 6 months after diagnosis.Tests: Two-sample t-tests, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Analyses were performed using SPSS 10.0.ResultsPrior to the discovery of hypovitaminosis D, diagnoses related to somatisation were evoked in 30 patients (90.9%). The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 2.53 years (SD 3.20). Twenty-two patients (66.7%) responded completely to treatment; the remaining patients were considered to be non-responders. After treatment was initiated, the responders' symptoms disappeared completely after 2.84 months. The mean number of emergency medical visits fell from 0.88 (SD 1.08) six months before diagnosis to 0.39 (SD 0.83) after (P = 0.027). The mean number of analgesic drugs that were prescribed also decreased from 1.67 (SD 1.5) to 0.85 (SD 1) (P = 0.001).ConclusionHypovitaminosis D in female asylum seekers may remain undiagnosed, with a prolonged duration of chronic symptoms. The potential pitfall is a diagnosis of somatisation. Treatment leads to a rapid resolution of symptoms, a reduction in the use of medical services, and the prescription of analgesic drugs in this vulnerable population.

Prophylaxis and treatment of childhood rickets with parenteral cholecalciferol.

The safety and efficacy of parenteral cholecalciferol was evaluated in the treatment and prevention of childhood rickets. Children with active disease, and those at high risk for developing rickets were treated either with intravenous or intramuscular cholecalciferol in dosages of 1000 to 1500 IU daily, for periods of 28 to 450 days. All children with rickets responded with radiographic evidence of healing. No child in the prophylaxis group developed bone disease. Side effects were minimal. Parenteral cholecalciferol is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of childhood rickets.

The metabolism and biological activity of esterified vitamin D in the rat.

1. [I-3H]Cholecalciferol and [I-3H]cholecalciferol palmitate in amounts equivalent to 2 μg cholecalciferol were injected into rachitic rats as aqueous preparations (intravenously) or in arachis oil (intramuscularly).2. The radioactive faecal metabolites collected for up to 17 days were fractionated according to their polarity. The same pattern of excreted radioactivity was seen with intravenous and intramuscular cholecalciferol and intravenous cholecalciferol palmitate. Intramuscular chole-calciferol palmitate produced a higher proportion of the most polar metabolites in faeces.3. Parenterally administered cholecalciferol palmitate in a rickets-healing biological assay had activity equivalent to unesterified cholecalciferol.4. Vitamin D ester synthesized in vivo is considered to be eventually metabolized as vita- min D alcohol and to be available to vitamin D-requiring processes.