Single High-Dose Oral Vitamin D3 Therapy (Stoss): A Solution to Vitamin D Deficiency in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency is common in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of stoss therapy on vitamin D levels during a period of 6 months in children with IBD and vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L).

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was undertaken, focusing upon children managed in the IBD clinic at Sydney Children's Hospital between 2006 and 2010. Those with a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level <50 nmol/L and those who received stoss therapy were included in this study.

RESULTS: A total of 76 children received stoss therapy. There was a significant and sustained increase in 25-OHD levels at all of the time points compared with baseline (40.8 ± 7.5 nmol/L), 1 month (145.6 ± 51.8 nmol/L), 3 months (87.1 ± 28.4 nmol/L), and 6 months 69.2 ± 31.3 nmol/L). There were no significant changes in serum calcium, phosphate, or parathyroid hormone at any time points.

CONCLUSIONS: Stoss therapy safely and effectively achieved and maintained a level of 25-OHD >50 nmol/L during 6 months in these children with IBD. Further prospective studies are now required to confirm this finding and establish whether this intervention has other benefits.