Unable to recruit adequate trial participants

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of vitamin D to standard corticosteroids improves onset of remission in active Crohn's Disease, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Crohn's Disease is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is caused by abnormal immune-mediated gut inflammation and is both chronic and difficult to treat. Symptoms are often unpleasant (e.g. abdominal pain, diarrhoea, disfiguring fistulation) and often lead to surgery to remove diseased bowel.

There is emerging evidence that Vitamin D, a nutrient largely produced in the skin upon exposure to sun-light, may possess properties regulating the immune system in IBD. In addition, vitamin D deficiency appears common in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

This study aims to determine if the addition of vitamin D to standard corticosteroid treatment in active Crohn's Disease helps to achieve remission (resolution of symptoms).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Active Crohn's Disease Activity (CDAI) Score >200 to 450;

2. Diagnosis of IBD and distribution of disease previously confirmed

3. The participant able to give informed consent form;

4. Stable doses of the following concurrent IBD medications prior to inclusion:

   • 5-aminosalicylates (≥4 weeks)
   • Thiopurines (≥8 weeks)
   • No corticosteroids (within 4 weeks)
   • No biological agents (within 8 weeks).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable to give informed written consent;
2. Co-existence of any other chronic inflammatory conditions
3. Failure to meet concurrent IBD medication criteria;
4. Hypercalcaemia (Corrected serum calcium > 2.66 mmol/L) or history of vitamin D hypersensitivity;
5. Diagnosis of any of the flowing: active tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, pseudohyperparathyroidism, nephrolithiasis, silicosis, liver failure, renal failure or malignancy, active TB, sarcoidosis or lymphoma or other granulomatous disease;
6. Known intolerance or contraindication to vitamin D or trial medication (i.e. corticosteroids / infliximab);
7. Biochemical disturbance at enrolment: serum corrected calcium > 2.66 mmol/L) or serum creatinine >250 micromol/L;
8. Pregnancy or breast-feeding.