The Effect of Short-Term Vitamin D Supplementation on Calcium Status in Vitamin D Insufficient Renal Transplant Recipients at Risk of Hypercalcemia

Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent among renal transplant recipients and in observational studies is associated with adverse outcomes. Hypercalcemia, usually due to persistent hyperparathyroidism, also commonly occurs in this population and often coexists with vitamin D insufficiency. However, concern that vitamin D supplementation might exacerbate the pre-existing hypercalcemia often leads clinicians to avoid vitamin D supplementation in such patients. This feasibility study aimed to quantify the effect on serum calcium of short-term low-dose cholecalciferol supplementation in a group of renal transplant recipients with a recent history of serum calcium levels>10  mg/dL.
Source: Journal of Renal Nutrition - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Original Research Source Type: research