Improving Vitamin D Status In Cystic Fibrosis

Hypothesis of this study: Our hypothesis is that other methods such as cholecalciferol replacement and/or low dose ultraviolet radiation to the skin may be more effective in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than conventional ergocalciferol therapy.

Experimental strategy: We will conduct a prospective randomized trail to determine which recommended vitamin D therapy (tanning device, cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) is effective in maintaining or improving vitamin D status during the winter months. We will recruit CF patients according to the following inclusion and exclusion criteria:

Inclusion: Subjects seen initially at the Emory CF center between the months of September and December, age >16, both males and females, confirmed cystic fibrosis by genetic testing or sweat testing, FEV1 >40%.

Exclusion: History of lung transplant or awaiting lung transplantation, current hospitalization or greater than 6 hospitalizations/year, history of malignancy, renal disease (calculated GFR <50% reduced from normal), liver disease (AST or AST > 3 times upper limit of normal), greater than 10 mg of prednisone or equivalent, hypercalcemia, history of easily burned skin after sunlight exposure, taking medications with may cause photosensitivity, history of skin cancer or multiple moles or family history of skin cancer, moderate to severe vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D ≤ 15 ng/ml).

Physicians at the Emory CF center will be informed about the study. The primary CF doctor of the subject will refer the individual to one of the study investigators for potential recruitment. The principal investigator or co-investigator will meet with the prospective subject to discuss the details of the study. If the subject agrees to participate, they will sign an informed consent form. The subject will provide a blood specimen at the screening visit to determine eligibility for the study including 25-hydroxyvitamin D. If the subject's 25(OH)D level is ≤15 ng/ml (moderate vitamin D deficiency), the subject will be excluded from the study. We have decided to exclude those moderately to severely deficient patients for ethical reasons since these subjects may require more aggressive medical management in correction of vitamin D status.

The subject will then be randomized to either ergocalciferol 50,000 IU once a a week for 12 weeks, cholecalciferol 50,000 IU once a week for 12 weeks, or use of a portable tanning device 5 times a week for 12 weeks. The blood sample obtained for screening will be used to determine baseline 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH). This assignment can not be blinded for obvious reasons. Subjects assigned to cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol will be instructed on how to take the pill three times a week. The subjects assigned to the portable tanning machine will be given instructions on how to operate the device.

All subjects will complete a baseline three day food diary to determine daily calcium and vitamin D intake levels. Those subjects already taking calcium supplements will be instructed to take no more than 1500 mg of calcium a day. Those subjects already taking multivitamin supplements will be limited to no more than 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Subjects will be allowed to continue with their usual diet; however, they should limit the number of milk servings to no more than 3 servings a day. Subjects will also be instructed not to travel to sunny climates or visit tanning salons during the study. No restrictions will be made in regards to outdoor activities since minimal vitamin D is made during the winter months. Subjects will return to the CF center 12 weeks after the randomization for repeat blood tests for 25(OH)D and PTH. Every two weeks, our research coordinator will call the subject to discuss compliance with the assigned therapy. In particular, those subjects assigned to pills will be reminded to take the pills weekly. Those subjects assigned to UV light will be asked questions regarding presence of skin erythema, photosensitivity, evidence of tanning and any other potential side effects.