Differences in Outcomes Between Cholecalciferol and Ergocalciferol Supplementation in Veterans With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2012

Description

Aim: VitaminD deficiency is a global health issue associated with increased health-care costs, and could play a role in the pathogenesis and management of inflammatory bowel disease. Prior studies show a high prevalence of vitaminD deficiency in veterans with inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to examine the outcome differences in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, comparing treatment with ergocalciferol to cholecalciferol. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with inflammatory bowel disease at a Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in the Southeastern United States was carried out. Those with at least one serum 25(OH) vitaminD level were included. Initial and follow-up vitamin D values were recorded. The type of vitaminD supplementation, whether cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol, was documented. Costs in the year after measurement of vitaminD were divided into separate inpatient and outpatient categories. Results: Veterans (n=108) with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and an available 25(OH) vitaminD level were studied. There were differences in follow-up vitaminD levels; those who received weekly ergocalciferol had higher subsequent levels than those who received cholecalciferol, especially at a second follow up, although differences did not achieve statistical significance. However, those who received vitaminD3 were less likely to use laboratory, pharmacy, radiology and fee-based services, and had lower laboratory and pharmacy costs. Conclusions: Our data suggest that cholecalciferol replacement might improve outcomes to a greater extent than ergocalciferol, and might be better in limiting health-care costs and expenses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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