614

Abstract

replacement or repair, or CABG surgery. Ages ranged from 23-88 yr (mean 62 yr). The mean baseline vitamin D level was 17.5 ng/mL. Dosing regimens varied widely and ranged from ergocalciferol 400 units daily to 50,000 units daily, with the most common being 50,000 units weekly. The mean duration of therapy was 16 days (range 2-116 days) and the mean follow-up level was 25.6 ng/mL. Of those patients with a follow-up vitamin D level, only 34.8% (n=8) achieved a level >30 ng/mL (lower limit of normal) and no patients exceeded the upper limit of normal (100 ng/mL). For patients who achieved a vitamin D level of >30 ng/ mL, the majority (50%) were on a dose of 50,000 units daily, with a duration ranging 10-37 days. No hypercalcemia was observed. Conclusions: In a cardiac surgery population, the majority of patients did not reach a normal serum vitamin D level using standard dietary doses of vitamin D. The dosing regimens in patients who reached a normal serum level suggest that high dose vitamin D is effective. This warrants further study and ongoing evaluation of this regimen during patient care.