Effect of cholecalciferol on 25-hydroxyvitamin D in people living with HIV and vitamin D deficiency: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of oral cholecalciferol 50,000IU monthly administered in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 25(OH)D deficiency followed over 48 weeks.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in a cohort of 110 PLHIV with 25(OH)D levels<20ng/mL. Changes in 25(OH)D levels were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. The percentages of patients who achieved 25(OH)D levels>20 and >30ng/mL and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred ten PLHIV (79% men, mean age 49.46 years) were included. The mean (standard deviation, SD) time on antiretroviral treatment was 10.69 (8.31) years and all patients had a viral load<50copies/mL. The mean 25(OH)D levels of 15.10±3.22ng/mL at baseline increased significantly (P<0.001) to 27.89±7.79ng/mL at 3 months, 28.53±8.45ng/mL at 6 months and 27.89±7.92ng/mL at 12 months. A total of 87.27% had normal 25(OH)D levels at 12 months (>30ng/mL in 36.1% of patients and >20ng/mL in 51.5%). Parathormone levels (PTH) also decreased significantly. Treatment was safe and well tolerated. On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Monthly administration of 50,000IU of cholecalciferol was effective in normalizing 25(OH)D deficiency in 87% of PLHIV, without observing changes in bone mineral density.