1. Vitamin D deficiency in general medical inpatients in summer and winter.
- Author
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Chatfield, S. M., Brand, C., Ebeling, P. R., and Russell, D. M.
- Subjects
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VITAMIN D deficiency , *VITAMIN deficiency , *ACCIDENTAL falls , *BONE fractures , *SUMMER , *WINTER - Abstract
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in various populations worldwide. Adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency are the development of bone disorders; however, other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers have also been linked to vitamin D deficiency. The general medical inpatient population is a group at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. These patients often have coexistent risk factors for its consequences. This study aims to document a point prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this population. Methods: Two cross-sectional audits of patients admitted to general medicine units were carried out – the first in mid-November at the end of winter and the second in mid-April and May at the end of summer. Information regarding patients’ comorbidities, medication usage, previous falls and fractures was obtained and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone and calcium levels were measured. Results: A total of 129 patients was studied (65 in winter and 64 in summer). Ninety-four patients (74%) had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels ≤50 nmol/L. Seven patients had severe deficiency (levels ≤12.5 nmol/L). Average vitamin D levels were lower at the end of winter (35 vs 43 nmol/L, P = 0.007). Of the 37 patients receiving vitamin D supplements, 20 (54%) had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels ≤50 nmol/L. Conclusion: Low vitamin D levels were common in this general medical inpatient population. The average vitamin D level was lower in the patient group tested in November following winter. Supplementation of vitamin D did not uniformly prevent deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
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