A LOW DOSE REGIME OF 1α HYDROXYVITAMIN D3IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SENILE OSTEOPOROSIS: A PILOT STUDY

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Abstract
A comparison was made between the metabolic consequences of daily administration for 6 wk of 1.0 .mu.g and 0.5 .mu.g 1.alpha. hydroxyvitamin D3 (1.alpha.(OH)D3) in 20 patients with senile osteoporosis. There was no significant difference in the increase of Ca-absorption which occurred in the 2 treatment groups between the beginning and end of the trial period. Serum and urinary Ca rose significantly in those receiving 1.0 .mu.g 1.alpha.(OH)D3 but not in the lower dosage group. Serum parathyroid hormone levels were suppressed in the higher dosage group only. There was a significantly greater rise of serum Pi, and fall of serum Mg, on the higher dosage, but no significant change in serum creatinine occurred in either group. It is suggested that in long term therapy regimes for osteoporosis incorporating 1.alpha.(OH)D3, 0.5 .mu.g may be a more suitable daily dose than 1.0 .mu.g 1.alpha.(OH)D3.