Increased Growth after Long-Term Oral 1α,25-Vitamin D3in Childhood Renal Osteodystrophy

Abstract

We evaluated oral 1,25-vitamin D₃ for as long as 26 months in six prepubescent children with renal osteodystrophy previously treated with vitamin D2. Therapy was given at 14 to 41 ng per kilogram per day to correct hypocalcemia and reverse bone disease. Serum levels of 1,25-vitamin D₃ were initially reduced at 15±5 pg per milliliter (mean ± S.E.M.) and after treatment rose to 54±13. Serum calcium rose from 7.5±1.6 mg per deciliter (mean ± S.D.) to 9.8±0.6 after one month (P3 can reverse renal bone disease and increase growth in uremic children. (N Engl J Med 298:238–242, 1978)