IS THE QUESTIONNAIRE USEFUL IN ASSESSING SERUM VITAMIN D LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE?

Background: The study of vitamin D and the interest in its actions are growing exponentially given its broad implications in pathology. Vitamin D assessment and treatment are controversial topics that result in heterogeneous, partially contradictory opinions and recommendations. The aim of the study was to quantify the level of vitamin D among patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases through a questionnaire applied to residents of Dobrogea, perimarine area of Romania. Methods: The questionnaire included variables such as: age, sex, environment of origin, occupation, associated diseases and treatments, information on diet and the time of sun exposure. The study was conducted over a period of 1 year (January 2019 - January 2020) and included 2 groups of patients (n = 323): group 1 (n = 164) - patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and a control group - group 2 (n = 159) - patients without thyroid pathology. Patients with other risk factors regarding vitamin D status were excluded from the study. Among these patients, serum levels of 25- (OH) - vitamin D and thyroid hormone profile were evaluated. Results: Predicted vitamin D deficiency - was found according to the questionnaire in group 1 at 80.5% compared to 74.8% in the control group. Following serum dosing, vitamin D deficiency was found in group 1 at 75.6% compared to the control group - 64.7%, being significantly higher among female patients in both study groups. Considering the participation period to the study: 61.5% of the patients from group 1 participated in autumn / winter, respectively 68.5% of the patients from group 2. Among them, the predicted but also measured vitamin D deficiency being significantly more frequent compared to those participating in spring / summer. The age group at which the predicted vitamin D deficiency was most common was 18-50 years. Conclusions: Because vitamin D deficiency screening is not recommended among the general, asymptomatic population, and most society and international guidelines recommend assessing vitamin D status only in high-risk groups, the development of a standardized questionnaire may be useful in predicting vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]