Randomised controlled trial of daily versus stoss vitamin D therapy in Aboriginal children. (19th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Jason KG; Kearns, Paula; Martin, Andrew C; Siafarikas, Aris
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 51:Number 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 626
• Page End: 631
• Publication Date: 2014-12-19
• Subjects: Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12781
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jpc12781-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has risen in countries with a high ultraviolet index and sunny environment such as Australia. There is lack of information on vitamin D status and best possible therapy in Australian Aboriginal children. We aim to (i) describe the vitamin D status in an opportunistic sample of Aboriginal children in Western Australia and (ii) compare the efficacy of oral daily vitamin D with oral stoss vitamin D therapy in this sample.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12781-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>Participants were recruited from a metropolitan area (31′ S) and a rural area (17′ S). Those with a 25(OH)D level less than 78 nmol/L were randomised to receive daily or stoss vitamin D therapy with follow‐up at 4–6 months and 9–12 months. Biochemical and clinical parameters such as 25(OH)D, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and sun exposure were collected.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12781-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Seventy‐three participants were enrolled (61 from a metropolitan and 12 from a rural area). 25(OH)D levels were greater than 78 nmol/L in 9/12 (75%) participants in the rural group and 21/61 (34%) in the metropolitan group. 25(OH)D levels were less than 78 nmol/L in 43/73 (59%) participants. Of these, 34/43 (79%) were insufficient (50–78 nmol/L), 8/43 (19%) mildly deficient (27.5–50 nmol/L) and 1/43 (2%) deficient (<27.5 nmol/L). Daily vitamin D therapy had a higher average increase in 25(OH)D levels from baseline than stoss therapy; however, this was not significant.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12781-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Vitamin D insufficiency is common in Aboriginal children of Western Australia and stoss therapy is a safe alternative to daily vitamin D therapy but requires further evaluation of timing and doses.</p> </sec> </abstract>