Vitamin d drug shows promise for rare bone disease without extra phosphate

This early-phase study tested whether a high-dose vitamin D medication (calcitriol) alone could improve blood phosphate levels and bone health in 16 children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), a genetic condition causing weak bones and poor growth. Participants took calcitriol for one year without the usual phosphate supplements. Researchers measured changes in phosphate levels, kidney function, and rickets severity. The goal was to see if this simpler treatment could work while avoiding kidney damage.