Documented roles for vitamin D in calcium homeostasis, cardiovascular and respiratory health, inflammation, innate immunity, and neuromuscular function have led to the hypothesis that deficiency might represent a modifiable risk factor for outcomes in critical illness. In recent years, dozens of adult studies have reported both high deficiency rates, and associations between lower vitamin D levels and organ dysfunction, health resource utilization, and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). More recently, similar observations have been made in critically ill pediatric populations. The cumulative body of basic science and clinical literature demonstrates that deficiency is common in critical illness and rapid normalization of vitamin D status could improve clinical outcomes and/or reduce health care costs. However, before conducting a phase III trial to determine whether restoration of vitamin D status improves outcomes in the PICU, the appropriate dosing regimen must be identified. Consequently, the investigators propose a phase II, double blind randomized controlled trial to determine a loading therapy dosing regimen that can safely and rapidly normalize vitamin D status in critically ill children.
Who can participate
Age range
17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
(i) Admitted to ICU; (ii) Corrected gestational age \> 37 weeks to age \< 18 years; (iii) Expected ICU admission in excess of 48 hours and expected access for blood work at Day 7 of hospital admission; (iv) Blood 25OHD less than 50 nmol/L (regardless of prior approach to supplementation)
Exclusion Criteria:
(i) Significant gastrointestinal disorder preventing enteral drug administration (e.g. necrotizing enterocolitis); (ii) Hypercalcemia (excluding transient abnormalities and those related to parenteral calcium administration for hypocalcemia); (iii) Confirmed or suspected William's syndrome; (iv) Patient known to have nephrolithiasis or Nephrocalcinosis; (v) Imminent plan for withdrawal of care or transfer to another ICU; (vi) Physician refusal; (vii) Previous enrollment in the study; (viii) Patient known to have granulomatous disease (tuberculosis or sarcoidosis), (ix) Severe liver dysfunction/liver failure; (x) Patient know to have hypersensitivity or allergy to vitamin D or any of the non-medicinal ingredients of the formulation; (xi) Patient on thiazide diuretics who is also receiving regular ongoing calcium supplementation above the daily recommended intake (for reasons other than hypocalcemia); (xii) Adolescent female of child-bearing age with a positive serum pregnancy test; or (xiii) Patient on digoxin-therapy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.