Search Results

You are looking at 21 - 30 of 212 items for

  • Abstract: Bone x
  • Abstract: Mineral x
  • Abstract: Hyperparathyroidism x
  • Abstract: Hypoparathyroidism x
  • Abstract: Osteo* x
  • Abstract: Skeleton x
  • Abstract: Vitamin D x
Clear All Modify Search
Raja Padidela Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Search for other papers by Raja Padidela in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Moira S Cheung Evelina London Children’s Hospital, London, UK

Search for other papers by Moira S Cheung in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Vrinda Saraff Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Vrinda Saraff in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Poonam Dharmaraj Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK

Search for other papers by Poonam Dharmaraj in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is caused by a pathogenic variant in the PHEX gene, which leads to elevated circulating FGF23. High FGF23 causes hypophosphataemia, reduced active vitamin D concentration and clinically manifests as rickets in children and osteomalacia in children and adults. Conventional therapy for XLH includes oral phosphate and active vitamin D analogues but does not specifically treat the underlying pathophysiology of elevated FGF23-induced hypophosphataemia. In addition, adherence to conventional therapy is limited by frequent daily dosing and side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, secondary hyperparathyroidism and nephrocalcinosis. Burosumab, a recombinant human IgG1 MAB that binds to and inhibits the activity of FGF23, is administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks. In clinical trials (phase 2 and 3) burosumab was shown to improve phosphate homeostasis that consequently resolves the skeletal/non-skeletal manifestations of XLH. Burosumab was licensed in Europe (February 2018) with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, UK approving use within its marketing authorisation in October 2018. In this publication, the British Paediatric and Adolescent Bone Group (BPABG) reviewed current evidence and provide expert recommendations for care pathway and management of XLH with burosumab.

Open access
Christian Trummer Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Christian Trummer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Stefan Pilz Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Stefan Pilz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Verena Schwetz Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Verena Schwetz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Elisabeth Lerchbaum Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Elisabeth Lerchbaum in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies suggests that vitamin D is involved in many functions of the reproductive system in both genders.

Aim

The aim of this review was to provide an overview on the effects of vitamin D on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and androgen metabolism in men.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed for relevant English language publications published from January 2012 until September 2017.

Results and discussion

The vitamin D receptor and vitamin D-metabolizing enzymes are found in reproductive tissues of women and men. In women, vitamin D status has been associated with several features of PCOS. In detail, cross-sectional data suggest a regulatory role of vitamin D in PCOS-related aspects such as ovulatory dysfunction, insulin resistance as well as hyperandrogenism. Moreover, results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for metabolic, endocrine and fertility aspects in PCOS. In men, vitamin D status has been associated with androgen levels and hypogonadism. Further, there is some evidence for a favorable effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone concentrations, although others failed to show a significant effect on testosterone levels.

Conclusion

In summary, vitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse fertility outcomes including PCOS and hypogonadism, but the evidence is insufficient to establish causality. High-quality RCTs are needed to further evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation in PCOS women as well as on androgen levels in men.

Open access
A Chinoy Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, UK

Search for other papers by A Chinoy in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M Skae Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, UK

Search for other papers by M Skae in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
A Babiker King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Search for other papers by A Babiker in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
D Kendall Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, UK

Search for other papers by D Kendall in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M Z Mughal Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, UK

Search for other papers by M Z Mughal in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
R Padidela Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, UK

Search for other papers by R Padidela in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Hypoparathyroidism is characterised by hypocalcaemia, and standard management is with an active vitamin D analogue and adequate oral calcium intake (dietary and/or supplements). Little is described in the literature about the impact of intercurrent illnesses on calcium homeostasis in children with hypoparathyroidism.

Methods

We describe three children with hypoparathyroidism in whom intercurrent illnesses led to hypocalcaemia and escalation of treatment with alfacalcidol (1-hydroxycholecalciferol) and calcium supplements.

Results

Three infants managed with standard treatment for hypoparathyroidism (two with homozygous mutations in GCMB2 gene and one with Sanjad-Sakati syndrome) developed symptomatic hypocalcaemia (two infants developed seizures) following respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses. Substantial increases in alfacalcidol doses (up to three times their pre-illness doses) and calcium supplementation were required to achieve acceptable serum calcium concentrations. However, following resolution of illness, these children developed an increase in serum calcium and hypercalciuria, necessitating rapid reduction to pre-illness dosages of alfacalcidol and oral calcium supplementation.

Conclusion

Intercurrent illness may precipitate symptomatic hypocalcaemia in children with hypoparathyroidism, necessitating increase in dosages of alfacalcidol and calcium supplements. Close monitoring is required on resolution of the intercurrent illness, with timely reduction of dosages of active analogues of vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis.

Open access
Xiaoli Jin Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Xiaoli Jin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jiankang Shen Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Jiankang Shen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Tao Liu Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Tao Liu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ru Zhou Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Ru Zhou in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xunbo Huang Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Xunbo Huang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Tianxiang Wang Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Tianxiang Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Weize Wu Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Weize Wu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mingliang Wang Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Mingliang Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Rongli Xie Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Rongli Xie in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Jianming Yuan Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Jianming Yuan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

The aim was to explore the effects of preoperative calcium and activated vitamin D3 supplementation on post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and hypo-parathyroid hormone-emia (hypo-PTHemia).

Methods

A total of 209 patients were randomly divided into control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). Oral calcium and activated vitamin D3 supplementation were preoperatively administered to EG, whereas a placebo was administered to CG. Data on serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH concentrations before operation, on postoperative day 1 (POPD1), at postoperative week 3 (POPW3), and on the length of postoperative hospitalization were collected.

Results

The serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH concentrations, as well as the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia and hypo-PTHemia, did not significantly differ between EG and CG. Subgroup analysis revealed that the serum calcium concentrations of the experimental bilateral thyroidectomy subgroup (eBTS) on POPD1 and POPW3 were higher than that of the control bilateral thyroidectomy subgroup (cBTS) (P < 0.05); the reduction of serum calcium in eBTS on POPD1 and POPW3 was less than those in cBTS (P < 0.05). However, significant differences were not observed between the unilateral thyroidectomy subgroups (UTS) (P > 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia in cBTS on POPD1 was significantly higher than that in eBTS (65.9% vs 41.7%) (P < 0.05). The length of hospitalization in cBTS (3.55 ± 1.89 days) was significantly longer than that (2.79 ± 1.15 days) in eBTS (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Short-term preoperative prophylactic oral calcium and activated vitamin D3 supplementation could effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia and decrease the length of postoperative hospitalization in patients who have undergone bilateral thyroidectomy.

Open access
Huma Qamar Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Search for other papers by Huma Qamar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Nandita Perumal Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Department of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Search for other papers by Nandita Perumal in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Eszter Papp Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Search for other papers by Eszter Papp in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Alison D Gernand Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

Search for other papers by Alison D Gernand in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Abdullah Al Mahmud Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Search for other papers by Abdullah Al Mahmud in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Daniel E Roth Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Search for other papers by Daniel E Roth in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) reflects inadequate growth in-utero and is prevalent in low resource settings. This study aimed to assess the association of maternal delivery parathyroid hormone (PTH) – a regulator of bone turnover and calcium homeostasis – with newborn anthropometry, to identify regulators of PTH, and to delineate pathways by which maternal PTH regulates birth size using path analysis. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from participants (n = 537) enrolled in the Maternal Vitamin D for Infant Growth trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Primary exposures were maternal delivery intact PTH (iPTH) or whole PTH (wPTH) and outcomes were gestational age- and sex-standardized z-scores for birth length (LAZ), weight (WAZ), and head circumference (HCAZ). Hypothesized regulators of PTH included calcium and protein intake, vitamin D, magnesium, fibroblast-like growth factor-23 (FGF23), and C-reactive protein. Maternal iPTH was not associated with birth size in linear regression analyses; however, in path analysis models, every SD increase in log(iPTH) was associated with 0.08SD (95% CI: 0.002, 0.162) higher LAZ. In linear regression and path analysis models, wPTH was positively associated with WAZ. Vitamin D suppressed PTH, while FGF23 was positively associated with PTH. In path analysis models, higher magnesium was negatively associated with LAZ; FGF23 was positively associated and protein intake was negatively associated with LAZ, WAZ, and HCAZ. Higher maternal PTH in late pregnancy is unlikely to contribute to IUGR. Future studies should investigate maternal FGF23, magnesium and protein intake as regulators of fetal growth, particularly in settings where food insecurity and IUGR are public health problems.

Open access
Suma Uday Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Suma Uday in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ardita Kongjonaj MEAL Specialist at Save the Children International, Albania Country Office, Tirana, Albania

Search for other papers by Ardita Kongjonaj in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Magda Aguiar Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Magda Aguiar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ted Tulchinsky Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, and Ashkelon College, Ashkelon, Israel

Search for other papers by Ted Tulchinsky in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Wolfgang Högler Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Wolfgang Högler in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Nutritional rickets is a growing global public health concern despite existing prevention programmes and health policies. We aimed to compare infant and childhood vitamin D supplementation policies, implementation strategies and practices across Europe and explore factors influencing adherence.

Methods

European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Bone and Growth Plate Working Group members and other specialists completed a questionnaire on country-specific vitamin D supplementation policy and child health care programmes, socioeconomic factors, policy implementation strategies and adherence. Factors influencing adherence were assessed using Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficient.

Results

Responses were received from 29 of 30 European countries (97%). Ninety-six per cent had national policies for infant vitamin D supplementation. Supplements are commenced on day 1–5 in 48% (14/29) of countries, day 6–21 in 48% (14/29); only the UK (1/29) starts supplements at 6 months. Duration of supplementation varied widely (6 months to lifelong in at-risk populations). Good (≥80% of infants), moderate (50–79%) and low adherence (<50%) to supplements was reported by 59% (17/29), 31% (9/29) and 10% (3/29) of countries, respectively. UK reported lowest adherence (5–20%). Factors significantly associated with good adherence were universal supplementation independent of feeding mode (P = 0.007), providing information at neonatal unit (NNU) discharge (P = 0.02), financial family support (P = 0.005); monitoring adherence at surveillance visits (P = 0.001) and the total number of factors adopted (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Good adherence to supplementation is a multi-task operation that works best when parents are informed at birth, all babies are supplemented, and adherence monitoring is incorporated into child health surveillance visits. Implementation strategies matter for delivering efficient prevention policies.

Open access
Johanna Öberg Tromso Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway

Search for other papers by Johanna Öberg in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Rolf Jorde Tromso Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway

Search for other papers by Rolf Jorde in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yngve Figenschau Tromso Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
Diagnostic Clinic, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway

Search for other papers by Yngve Figenschau in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Per Medbøe Thorsby Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biochemical Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Group, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Oslo, Norway

Search for other papers by Per Medbøe Thorsby in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sandra Rinne Dahl Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biochemical Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Group, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Oslo, Norway

Search for other papers by Sandra Rinne Dahl in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Anne Winther Division of Neurosciences, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Services, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway

Search for other papers by Anne Winther in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Guri Grimnes Tromso Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway

Search for other papers by Guri Grimnes in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

Combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use has been associated with higher total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. Here, we investigate the relation between CHC use and vitamin D metabolism to elucidate its clinical interpretation.

Methods

The cross-sectional Fit Futures 1 included 1038 adolescents. Here, a subgroup of 182 girls with available 25(OH)D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D), vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and measured free 25(OH)D levels, in addition to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), was investigated. Vitamin D metabolites were compared between girls using (CHC+) and not using CHC (CHC−). Further, the predictability of CHC on 25(OH)D levels was assessed in a multiple regression model including lifestyle factors. The ratios 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D (vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR)) in relation to 25(OH)D were presented in scatterplots.

Results

CHC+ (n  = 64; 35% of the girls) had higher 25(OH)D levels (mean ± s.d., 60.3 ± 22.2) nmol/L) than CHC- (n  = 118; 41.8 ± 19.3 nmol/L), P -values <0.01. The differences in 25(OH)D levels between CHC+ and CHC− were attenuated but remained significant after the adjustment of lifestyle factors. CHC+ also had higher levels of 1,25(OH)2D, 24,25(OH)2D, DBP and calcium than CHC−, whereas 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D, PTH, FGF23 and albumin were significantly lower. Free 25(OH)D and VMR did not statistically differ, and both ratios appeared similar in relation to 25(OH)D, irrespective of CHC status.

Conclusion

This confirms a clinical impact of CHC on vitamin D levels in adolescents. Our observations are likely due to an increased DBP-concentration, whereas the free 25(OH)D appears unaltered.

Open access
Iulia Soare University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Iulia Soare in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Anca Sirbu University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic diseases, Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Anca Sirbu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mihai Mircea Diculescu University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Gastroenterology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Mihai Mircea Diculescu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Bogdan Radu Mateescu University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Gastroenterology, Colentina Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Bogdan Radu Mateescu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Cristian Tieranu University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Gastroenterology, Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Cristian Tieranu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sorina Martin University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic diseases, Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Sorina Martin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Carmen Gabriela Barbu University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic diseases, Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Carmen Gabriela Barbu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mirela Ionescu University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Gastroenterology, Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Mirela Ionescu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Simona Fica University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic diseases, Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Search for other papers by Simona Fica in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background and aim

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a common complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, debates are ongoing with regard to the other involved factors, especially in younger patients. This study aimed to evaluate the parameters that contribute to decreased BMD, focusing on premenopausal women and men aged <50 years.

Methods

This study included 81 patients with IBD and 81 age-, sex- and BMI-matched controls. Blood tests were conducted on IBD patients, and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was performed on both groups.

Results

Low BMD and fragility fracture were found to be more prevalent in IBD patients than in healthy subjects (49.3% vs 23.4%, P = 0.001 and 9.8% vs 1.2%, P = 0.01, respectively). Patients with low BMD were older, with a longer disease duration, higher faecal calprotectin (FC) levels and lower magnesium and lean mass (appreciated as appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI)). Multiple regression analysis revealed that ASMI, age and use of glucocorticoids were the independent parameters for decreased BMD. Although 91.3% of the patients had a 25-hydroxy vitamin D level of <30 ng/mL, it was not a statistically significant factor for decreased BMD.

Conclusion

In our study, the levels of vitamin D did not seem to have an important impact on BMD. Conversely, FC, magnesium and lean mass are important factors, suggesting that good control of disease, adequate magnesium intake and increased lean mass can have a good impact on bone metabolism in patients with IBD.

Open access
Julia Kubiak Tromsø Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway

Search for other papers by Julia Kubiak in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Per Medbøe Thorsby Department of Medical Biochemistry, Per Medbøe Thorsby, Hormone Laboratory, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Norway

Search for other papers by Per Medbøe Thorsby in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Elena Kamycheva Tromsø Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway

Search for other papers by Elena Kamycheva in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Rolf Jorde Tromsø Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway

Search for other papers by Rolf Jorde in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

Low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and some of its risk factors. However, in interventional studies, the effects of vitamin D supplementation have been uncertain, possibly due to inclusion of vitamin D-sufficient subjects. Our aim was therefore to examine effects of vitamin D supplementation on CVD risk factors in vitamin D-insufficient subjects.

Design

Double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A 4-month interventional study with high-dose vitamin D (100,000 IU loading dose, followed by 20,000 IU/week) or placebo with measurements of blood pressure, lipids (total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A1 and B), and glucose metabolism parameters (blood glucose, HbA1c, serum human receptors for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), insulin, C-peptide and HOMA-IR).

Results

A total of 422 subjects with mean serum 25(OH)D level 34 nmol/L were included, with 411 subjects completing the study. Serum 25(OH)D levels increased with 56 nmol/L and decreased with 4 nmol/L in the vitamin D and placebo group, respectively. We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the measured CVD risk factors, except for a minor increase in sRAGE in the vitamin D group. Stratified analyses of subjects with low baseline serum 25(OH)D levels alone, or combined with blood pressure, lipid and HOMA-IR values above the median for the cohort, did not skew the results in favour of vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusion

Supplementation with vitamin D in subjects with baseline vitamin D insufficiency does not improve CVD risk factor profile.

Open access
Guido Zavatta Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Guido Zavatta in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
Bart L Clarke Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

Search for other papers by Bart L Clarke in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

The first adjunctive hormone therapy for chronic hypoparathyroidism, recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1–84) (rhPTH(1–84)) was approved by the FDA in January 2015. Since the approval of rhPTH(1–84), growing interest has developed in other agents to treat this disorder in both the scientific community and among pharmaceutical companies. For several reasons, conventional therapy with calcium and activated vitamin D supplementation, magnesium supplementation as needed, and occasionally thiazide-type diuretic therapy remains the mainstay of treatment, while endocrinologists and patients are constantly challenged by limitations of conventional treatment. Serum calcium fluctuations, increased urinary calcium, hyperphosphatemia, and a constellation of symptoms that limit mental and physical functioning are frequently associated with conventional therapy. Understanding how conventional treatment and hormone therapy work in terms of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is key to effectively managing chronic hypoparathyroidism. Multiple questions remain regarding the effectiveness of PTH adjunctive therapy in preventing or slowing the onset and progression of the classical complications of hypoparathyroidism, such as chronic kidney disease, calcium-containing kidney stones, cataracts, or basal ganglia calcification. Several studies point toward an improvement in the quality of life during replacement therapy. This review will discuss current clinical and research challenges posed by treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism.

Key points:

  • Conventional therapy with calcium and activated forms of vitamin D are currently the mainstays of treatment for most patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism.

  • Hormone therapy can be administered through FDA-approved once-daily rhPTH(1–84), or off-label multiple-daily injections of teriparatide. The former is the only FDA-approved drug, with safety and efficacy supported by a randomized placebo-controlled trial and open-label long-term extension trial data.

  • Twice-daily teriparatide has been used in children safely for up to 10 years.

  • New pharmacological options that replace the deficient hormone wi ll likely be available within the next few years.

Open access