Health

Vitamin D regimen for cystic fibrosis

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 1, 2005

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

Adults with cystic fibrosis could benefit from higher levels of vitamin D than are currently recommended, according to a study reported in the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

A new vitamin D repletion regimen suggested by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Consensus Panel on Bone Health for replacing the vitamin in people with CF was called "strikingly ineffective," by researchers.

Of 66 adults with CF, only five who had been treated with the recommended 50,000 international units of vitamin D per week for eight weeks had their serum levels corrected to the recommended degree, the researchers said.

Improvements in treatment for people with CF have boosted life expectancy rates and led to increased attention to their other health needs, which include bone health, said Michael P. Boyle, MD, director of the Johns Hopkins University Adult CF Program. Survival rates have increased lifespan from 25 years old in 1985 to older than age 33 this year.

Despite this young age, approximately 20% to 25% of adults with CF have osteoporosis and another 40% have osteopenia, Dr. Boyle said. An adequate supply of vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium from foods and incorporate it into bone.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/08/01/hlbf0801.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn