The Vitamin D Boost

Vitamin D (vit D) deficiency is frequently observed among dialysis patients. Previous studies suggest that 50 to 90 % of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are deficient in vit D. In Tunisia, studies regarding hypovitaminosis D in patients on dialysis are not numerous. Actually, many data support the use of native vit D in hemodialysis patients. In Tunisia, using native vit D is not part of the therapeutic habits of all dialysis centers. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of vit D deficiency in patients with CKD stage 5 undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and to evaluate the effect of oral Cholecalciferol supplementation, in intact parathormon hormon (iPTH), serum calcium (Ca) and serum phosphorus (Ph). We conducted a pre-experimental study among HD patients. Monthly Oral supplementation with Cholecalciferol, was instituted for 6 months. 43 participants were included. The mean 25 Hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D) concentration was 17,89 ng/ml. Vit D deficiency was observed in 83.7% of our patients. We observed a significant increase in 25OH vit D and Ca levels and a significant decline in iPTH levels. No evident toxicity, nor severe hypercalcemia or hyperphosphate.