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Vitamin D deficiency in general medical inpatients in summer and winter
Author(s) -
Chatfield S. M.,
Brand C.,
Ebeling P. R.,
Russell D. M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2007.01339.x
Subject(s) - medicine , vitamin d deficiency , vitamin d and neurology , population , rheumatoid arthritis , diabetes mellitus , hypocalcaemia , pediatrics , endocrinology , calcium , environmental health
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.