Vitamin D bolus plus 1000 IU daily, effective repletion strategy in kids with SCD

In the trial, 38 Children of age 5 to 17 years of all genotypes were randomly assigned to either a single bolus of vitamin D3 (300 000 IU; n = 18) treatment arm or placebo (n = 20) treatment arm. All children received a prescription for daily 1000 IU vitamin D3. The major outcome of the study was to raise 25(OH)D levels to sufficient level (25(OH)D ≥ 75 nmol/l) after three months. Serum 25(OH)D and other safety outcomes such as calcium, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio, musculoskeletal pain, quality of life, haematology and bone markers were assessed at baseline and three months post intervention.

At the end of the trial, researchers found Bolus administration of Vitamin D3 led to a greater rise in 25(OH)D levels from baseline compared to placebo and correction of vitamin D deficiency.

No hypercalcaemia nor hypercalciuria was reported. More children experienced Gastrointestinal symptoms in Vitamin D bolus group within the first month of trial and there were no differences between groups for other outcomes.

The authors concluded "The use of a high-dose vitamin D bolus combined with daily 1000 IU vitamin D3 was more efficient in raising 25(OH)D levels than daily supplementation alone in children with SCD"

For further information:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjh.17119