Vitamin D status and site-specific fracture pattern associations in older adults with fragility fractures: a cross-sectional analysis of 2543 patients
Abstract
Background Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the elderly. However, its prevalence and association with specific anatomic fracture sites remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to assess vitamin D status and investigate its variation across fracture sites in elderly patients with fragility fractures. Methods A total of 2543 hospitalized patients aged ≥60 years with fragility fractures were included. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Demographic characteristics, admission indications, and comorbidities were extracted from electronic medical records to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify associated risk factors. A generalized linear model with a gamma distribution was used to analyze the association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and fracture site, adjusting for age, sex, sampling season, and comorbidities. Results Overall, 35.9% of patients were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL), 44.2% were insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and 19.9% were sufficient. The median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 22.60 ng/mL (IQR: 17.30–28.30). Multivariable analysis showed that age (OR 1.036 per year), female sex (OR 1.358), winter season (OR 2.040), and a history of cerebral infarction (OR 1.660) were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency (all p < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations differed significantly across fracture sites (p <…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 2,543 participants or records.
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