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Distribution and correlates of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in a sample of patients with hip fracture

Pieper CF, Colon-Emeric C, Caminis J, Betchyk K, Zhang J, Janning C, Shostak J, LeBoff MS et al.

The American journal of geriatric pharmacotherapy, 2007

1,174 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is common in older populations, particularly during the winter months due to low levels of ultraviolet light exposure, and in nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the current study was to assess the distribution of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its correlates in a sample of men and women with recent hip fractures who were part of a large clinical trial.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study of screened and ultimately randomized patients with hip fractures. They were part of a multinational (115 clinical centers in 20 countries), randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study testing the efficacy of a yearly IV bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) in the prevention of new clinical fractures in patients with recent hip fracture repair. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine clearance, and albumin were measured at a screening visit using blood serum. Demographic variables were assessed by patient self-report. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the nonfractured hip.

RESULTS: This report included 1174 screened patients (526 with vitamin D measured) and 655 (385 with vitamin D measured) patients randomized before the protocol amendment. In screened patients, levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were low (median, 14.7 ng/mL; interquartilc range, 7.6, 21.65). Overall, 51% were at or below the clinically meaningful threshold of 15 ng/mL. Among…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 1,174 participants or records.

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