Vitamin D deficiency was improved with increased replacement therapy in a study of 127 patients undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation (LT). The study also measured outcomes for readmission rates, fractures, and functional status post-LT and estimated the amount of vitamin D supplementation required for each patient. Researchers found:

• 84% of patients had vitamin D deficiency and 74% remained vitamin D deficient at LT.

• Vitamin D deficiency at LT was not associated with worse bone or functional outcomes post-LT.

• Patients receiving induction immunosuppressant therapy with basiliximab had a significantly greater degree of worsening in bone miner density post-LT.

Citation: Chaney A, Heckman MG, Diehl NN, Meek S, Keaveny AP. Effectiveness and outcomes of current practice in treating vitamin D deficiency in patients listed for liver transplantation. Endocrine Practice. 2015; 21(7):761-769.