Low rate of compliance with ergocalciferol therapy in vitamin-D-deficient patients with hip fracture

Noble, Jane M; McGuiness, Marjory; Glendenning, Paul

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04775.x

To the editor: Large randomised trials have confirmed that treatment with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and calcium reduces hip and non-vertebral fractures.1,2 In public health terms, calciferol compounds are cost-effective,3 simple to monitor and generally free of side effects. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) is the only single prohormonal form of vitamin D available in Australia.4 As compliance rates for this medication have not, to our knowledge, been evaluated, we decided to conduct our own study of compliance.

Correspondence: Paul.Glendenning@health.wa.gov.au

Acknowledgements:

The authors wish to acknowledge the help of Dr Peter Goldswain, Department of Geriatrics, Royal Perth Hospital, for assistance with patient access.

Competing interests:

None declared.

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3. Torgerson DJ, Kanis JA. Cost-effectiveness of preventing hip fractures in the elderly population using vitamin D and calcium. QJM 1995; 88: 135-139.
4. Glendenning P. Vitamin D deficiency and multicultural Australia [letter]. Med J Aust 2002; 176: 242-243. <eMJA full text>
5. Compston JE. Vitamin D deficiency: time for action. Evidence supports routine supplementation for elderly people and others at risk. BMJ 1998; 317: 1466-1467.

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