Safety of treatment for subclinical osteomalacia in the elderly

9Citations
Citations of this article
11Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Forty one elderly patients admitted to hospital for acute illnesses were also found to have subclinical osteomalacia. Immediately before discharge, therefore, all were randomised to receive either vitamin D2 25 μg daily, alfacalcidol 0.5 μg daily, or placebo. Treatment was given for at least three months, those allocated to placebo then being switched to an active drug. Within the first three months of treatment with either of the active drugs most patients had exhibited a fall to normal in osteoid values. In only four treatment periods was there a mild increase in serum calcium concentration, and in no patient was this accompanied by deterioration in renal function. Any increase in serum creatinine concentration was invariably attributable to the underlying disease for which the patient had been admitted in the first place. Subclinical osteomalacia in the elderly may be corrected by relatively low doses of alfacalcidol (0.5 μg daily) or vitamin D2 (25 μg daily) given for three months. Such treatment is safe and not accompanied by a serious risk of hypercalcaemia or renal impairment.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Hosking, D. J., Campbell, G. A., Kemm, J. R., Cotton, R. E., & Boyd, R. V. (1984). Safety of treatment for subclinical osteomalacia in the elderly. British Medical Journal, 289(6448), 785–787. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.289.6448.785

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free