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

Abstract

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