The Role of Vitamin D in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Implications for Graft-versus-Host Disease-A Narrative Review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D levels and supplementation on the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients.
Results Summary
The study found widespread vitamin D deficiency among HSCT patients, with mixed results on its association with acute GvHD but a significant link to chronic GvHD. Supplementation improved vitamin D levels in some studies, but the relationship with GvHD outcomes was inconsistent.
Population
Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Effective Dosage
1000 IU/day to 60,000 IU/week.
Duration
Not specified.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D supplementation | increase | vitamin D levels | HSCT patients | - | improved | #1 |
vitamin D supplementation | neutral | dosages | HSCT patients | 1000 IU/day to 60,000 IU/week | varied significantly | #2 |
lower baseline vitamin D levels | increase | acute GvHD | HSCT patients | - | were associated with an increased risk | #3 |
vitamin D levels | no change | acute GvHD | HSCT patients | - | found no significant correlation | #4 |
low levels of vitamin D | increase | incidence of chronic GvHD | HSCT patients | - | significant association | #5 |
- | neutral | vitamin D deficiency | HSCT patients | - | widespread | #6 |
- | neutral | baseline vitamin D levels | HSCT patients | 12.8 to 29.2 ng/mL | ranging | #7 |
INTRODUCTION/AIM: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune modulation, which may influence the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aims to evaluate the impact of vitamin D levels and supplementation on the incidence of GvHD in HSCT patients. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Embase databases. RESULTS: The reviewed studies indicated widespread vitamin D deficiency among HSCT patients, with baseline levels ranging from 12.8 to 29.2 ng/mL. Supplementation protocols varied significantly, with dosages ranging from 1000 IU/day to 60,000 IU/week. Post-supplementation levels improved in some studies. Studies exploring the relationship between vitamin D and GvHD showed mixed results. Lower baseline vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of acute GvHD in some studies, while others found no significant correlation. However, a significant association between low levels of vitamin D and the incidence of chronic GvHD was observed. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in HSCT patients and may influence the risk of developing chronic GvHD. Future research should focus on larger and more rigorous studies to determine the optimal role of vitamin D as an adjuvant therapy in the context of HSCT.