Turkish Journal of Nephrology
Original Article

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Erythropoietin Utilization in Hemodialysis Patients: A Semi-experimental Study

1.

Non-Communicable Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

2.

Department of Nephrology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

3.

Clinical Research Development Center, Amircola Children’s Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Turkish J Nephrol 2022; 31: 177-182
DOI: 10.5152/turkjnephrol.2022.21162
Read: 1028 Downloads: 488 Published: 01 April 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplementation on erythropoietin doses in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: In this semi-experimental study, we enrolled chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis, referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital in Babol, Iran in 2018. All patients with concomitant serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 30 ng/mL and hemoglobin below 10 g/dL were enrolled. These patients were treated with the oral pearl of vitamin D for 12 weeks. Monthly levels of serum vitamin D and hemoglobin were measured. Also, erythropoietin doses were examined at baseline and each month after receiving cholecalciferol supplementation. A P-value <.05 was considered significant.

Results: In total, 38 patients (22 females and 16 males) with a mean age of 48.34 ± 14.62 years were enrolled. The mean erythropoietin dose was 59 684.21 ± 27 404.08 U/month at baseline and decreased to 51 157.89 ± 27 503.83 U/month after treatment in all patients (P = .019). The mean erythropoietin dose in the responders' group (25-D ≥30 ng/mL) was reduced (P = .032). Also, hemoglobin level increased (P < .001) after treatment compared to the baseline. There was no significant difference in the non-responders group (25-D <30 ng/mL) to erythropoietin dose and the hemoglobin level after treatment. Additionally, in all patients, the serum level of 25-D (P < .001 (and hemoglobin level (P = .028) were significantly different before and after treatment.

Conclusion: Our findings indicated that cholecalciferol administration might reduce the need for erythropoietin doses in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Cite this article as: Najjar Firozjaei A, Akbari R, Nikpour M, Hajahmadi M, Pornasrollah M, Sorkhi H. The Effect of Vitamin D supplementation on erythropoietin utilization in hemodialysis patients: A semi-experimental study. Turk J Nephrol. 2022;31(2):177-182.

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