Vitamin D status in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis--an audit of an endocrine clinic
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency may further increase fracture risk in patients with decreased bone mineral density. We audited serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis attending endocrine osteoporosis clinics in North London between January 1998 and September 2001. The total number of patients analyzed was 448 (age range 17-89 years), with 191 patients being 30-50 nmol/L for insufficiency, and > 50 nmol/L for sufficiency. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 30.5% and of vitamin D insufficiency was 35.9%. Vitamin D deficiency was as prevalent in young patients as in older ones: the prevalence of serum 25OHD or = 50 years. Our results indicate that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is a common problem in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis. This situation persists despite dietary advice and prescription of vitamin D3 supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency affects all age groups, not merely the elderly.
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: 191 participants or records.
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