LB02
Interesting Case Study: High Dose Vitamin D Protocol in Treating Aggressive RMS

Thursday, May 25, 2017
B2 (New Orleans Convention Center)
Denise R Bruen, ANP-BC, MSCN , Neurology, University of Virginia MS Clinic, Charlottesville, VA



2017 CMSC  Abstract Poster Presentation


Background:

MS research has yet to define the appropriate amount or Vitamin D levels our MS patients should strive for.  How much is too much? How little is not protective?

Objectives:

What is the risk of taking too much Vitamin D? Are we actually underutilizing a possible low risk treatment or adjunctive supplement?

Methods:

Many of our patients are often dubious about risk and benefits of our current DMTs especially if they feel otherwise healthy. Occasionally we see a distressing brain MRI with many active MS lesions in an asymptomatic patient. It can be difficult to convince these patients to be on a potentially risky medication. Sometimes they seek alternative therapies. Could the answer or missing puzzle piece be Vitamin D hypovitaminosis?

Results:

This is the case study of J.B. a 40 year old Caucasian woman who had been lost to follow up, previously on an IM Interferon agent. Updated MRIs times two, both on and off DMT, showed multiple enhancing lesions. Not wanting to remain on or try a different DMT she elected to start a high dose Vitamin D protocol under supervision of an out of state provider. MRIs since have been remarkably quiet. *MRIs over the past 2 years to be shared on poster.

Conclusions:

Is J.B.’s case regression to the norm or has high dose Vitamin D been effective as her sole treatment. I argue as a MS community we should decide on an appropriate Vitamin D level and perhaps be pushing higher doses as a supplemental therapy to stabilize our patients.