Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Osteoporosis

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine vitamin D levels and related parameters of patients referring to our osteoporosis follow-up clinic. Material and Methods: Age, gender, occupation, education level, menopausal state, menopause age and vitamin D levels on admission were recorded retrospectively from files of 940 patients, who had been followed between years 2003-2011 at İbn-i Sina osteoporosis follow-up clinic. Vitamin D levels divided into four groups and accepted as 30-80 mcg/L sufficient, 21-30 mcg/L insufficient, 11-20 mcg/L deficient and 0-10 mcg/L osteomalasic. Results: Mean age of the 940 patients was 61.0±10.8 (23-89) years. 867 (92.2%) were female and 73 (7.8%) were male patients. Most of the patients were housewomen (72.6%). Educational level of the patients was usually primary school (45.6%). The number of menopausal patients was 777 (82.7%) and mean menopause age was 45.69±6.16. The mean vitamin D level of the patients was 26.13±18.62 mcg/L. When we grouped patients according to vitamin D levels, approximately 70% were below normal. Patients who had osteomalasic levels were 16.3%. Patients with sufficient vitamin D levels were 31.5%. There was significant difference between sex and vitamin D levels and it was lower in women (χ2=9.63, p=0.022). No relation was found between occupation, educational level, age, menopause time and vitamin D levels. Conclusion: Approximately 70% of the patients admitted to our osteoporosis follow-up clinic had vitamin D levels lower than normal. In addition, it has been found that vitamin D levels were significantly lower in women. There is advanced need for studies focusing on risk factors. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2011;17:68-70)

Keywords

• Vitamin D
• osteoporosis
• gender