25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcifediol) therapy of juvenile renal osteodystrophy: beneficial effect on linear growth velocity.

A prospective study of renal osteodystrophy in moderate renal insufficiency was undertaken to assess the effects of 25(OH)D3 (Calcifediol) on healing of bone lesions and improvement of linear growth. One year after entering the study, the mean group growth velocity increased into the normal range and remained there in the next two therapy years. A significant correlation existed between pretherapy and one-year therapy values of growth velocity and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration. Qualitative bone histology obtained by transilial bone biopsy was also evaluated during the course of study. Catch-up growth was not seen, but potential for such growth may exist in later years in our patients.