Response to Long-term Vitamin D Therapy for Bone Disease in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2018 Aug;40(6):458-461. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001155.

Abstract

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for bone fragility from multiple factors including vitamin D deficiency. To date, no studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of long-term vitamin D therapy for bone disease in children with SCD. We report a cohort of 4 children with SCD found to have severe vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and abnormal bone mineral density treated with monthly high-dose oral cholecalciferol over 2 years. All patients exhibited a positive response to therapy without hypervitaminosis D or hypercalcemia. Further studies are needed to standardize guidelines for optimal vitamin D dosing and prevention of toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / drug therapy*
  • Bone Density / drug effects*
  • Bone Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Bone Diseases / etiology
  • Child
  • Cholecalciferol / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Time Factors
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / etiology

Substances

  • Cholecalciferol