Cholecalciferol in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a common finding in patients with chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. The liver plays a central role in the hydroxylation of vitamin D, and progressive hepatic dysfunction impairs this metabolism. Additionally, patients with cirrhosis often have reduced sunlight exposure, malnutrition, impaired bile acid secretion leading to fat malabsorption, and altered vitamin D–binding protein levels, all contributing to deficiency. Deficiency has been associated with increased risk of infections, impaired bone mineralization, sarcopenia, hepatic encephalopathy, and poorer overall prognosis. Recent studies have also linked low vitamin D levels to higher mortality in cirrhosis, suggesting a role not only as a biomarker of severity but potentially as a therapeutic target.