| Existing data have demonstrated that adequate levels of vitamin D are not only important for bone health but also support the development and maintenance of the immune system. As such, vitamin D sufficiency may be important in controlling the mucosal inflammation observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dietary intake of sufficient vitamin D can be daunting for many patients, and compliance with daily vitamin D supplements a challenge. As such, the goal of this project is to assess the safety and efficacy of high-dose oral interval vitamin D therapy in children and young adults with IBD. We chose to study this hypothesis in patients treated with Remicade (infliximab), which necessitates regular (monthly or bimonthly) office visits. Patients are eligible if they are being treated with Remicade, have a documented 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 30.0ng/mL within 8 weeks of enrollment, and do not have a history of an underlying renal or liver disease that would complicate the assessment of potential adverse effects of study therapy. |
