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Vitamin D Deficiency (vitamin + d_deficiency)
Terms modified by Vitamin D Deficiency Selected AbstractsADDRESSING VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AMONG VEILED PREGNANT WOMEN IN AUSTRALIANUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2006Niyi Awofeso PhD [source] Heterogeneity in Serum 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Response to Cholecalciferol in Elderly Women with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Vitamin D DeficiencyJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2010Andrea Giusti MD OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) of two dosing regimens of cholecalciferol in women with secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH) and hypovitaminosis D and to investigate variables affecting 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol. DESIGN: Randomized-controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. SETTING: Two osteoporosis centers in northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty community-dwelling women aged 65 and older with sHPTH and hypovitaminosis D, creatinine clearance greater than 65 mL/min and without diseases or drugs known to influence bone and vitamin D metabolism. INTERVENTION: Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU every 3 months, once at baseline and once at 3 months (intermittent D3 group) or cholecalciferol 1,000 IU/day (daily D3 group). MEASUREMENTS: Serum PTH, 25(OH)D, calcium, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, ,-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, phosphate, 24-hour urinary calcium excretion. RESULTS: The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. All participants had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D<20 ng/mL)], and 36 subjects (60%) had severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL), with no difference between the groups (severe deficiency: intermittent D3 group, n=18; daily D3 group, n=18). After 3 and 6 months, both groups had a significant increase in 25(OH)D and a reduction in PTH. Mean absolute increase±standard deviation of 25(OH)D at 6 months was higher in the intermittent D3 group (22.7±11.8 ng/mL) than in the daily D3 group (13.7±6.7 ng/mL, P<.001), with a higher proportion of participants in the intermittent D3 group reaching desirable serum concentration of 25(OH)D , 30 ng/mL (55% in the intermittent D3 group vs 20% in the daily D3 group, P<.001). Mean percentage decrease of PTH in the two groups was comparable, and at 6 months, a similar proportion of participants reached normal PTH values. 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol showed a wide variability. In a logistic regression analysis, body mass index and type of treatment appeared to be significantly associated with normalization of 25(OH)D values. CONCLUSION: Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU every 3 months was more effective than 1,000 IU daily in correcting vitamin D deficiency, although the two groups achieved similar effects on PTH at 6 months. Only 55% of the higher-dose intermittent group reached desirable concentrations of 25(OH)D, suggesting that yet-higher doses will be required for adequate vitamin D repletion. [source] Vitamin D and Bone Physiology: Demonstration of Vitamin D Deficiency in an Implant Osseointegration Rat ModelJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 6 2009James Kelly DDS Abstract Purpose: The patient population varies in nutritional deficiencies, which may confound the host response to biomaterials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a common deficiency of vitamin D on implant osseointegration in the rat model. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained under the cessation of vitamin D intake and UV exposure. The serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3, 25 OHD3, Ca, and P were determined. Miniature cylindrical Ti6Al4V implants (2-mm long, 1-mm diameter) were fabricated with double acid-etched (DAE) surface or modified DAE with discrete crystalline deposition (DCD) of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. DAE and DCD implants were placed in the femurs of vitamin D-insufficient and control rats. After 14 days of healing, the femur-implant samples were subjected to implant push-in test and nondecalcified histology. The surfaces of recovered implant specimens after the push-in test were further evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The decreased serum level of 25 OHD3 demonstrated the establishment of vitamin D insufficiency in this model. The implant push-in test revealed that DAE and DCD implants in the vitamin D-insufficient group (15.94 ± 8.20 N, n = 7; 15.63 ± 3.96 N, n = 7, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the control group (24.99 ± 7.92 N, n = 7, p < 0.05; 37.48 ± 17.58 N, n = 7, p < 0.01, respectively). The transcortical bone-to-implant contact ratio (BIC) was also significantly decreased in the vitamin D-insufficient group. SEM analyses further suggested that the calcified tissues remaining next to the implant surface after push-in test appeared unusually fragmented. Conclusions: The effect of vitamin D insufficiency significantly impairing the establishment of Ti6Al4V implant osseointegration in vivo was unexpectedly profound. The outcome of Ti-based endosseous implants may be confounded by the increasing prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in our patient population. [source] Vitamin D deficiency in a multinational refugee populationINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 12 2007H. D. Wishart Abstract Background: Populations with increased skin pigmentation who have migrated to countries of high latitude are at increased risk of low vitamin D. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low vitamin D among the refugee population arriving in New Zealand. Methods: An audit of all refugees arriving at the national refugee resettlement centre from May 2004 to May 2005 was carried out. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were measured and defined as normal (50,150 nmol/L) or low, with low subdivided into insufficient (25 to <50 nmol/L) and deficient (<25 nmol/L). Whether vitamin D status varied with age and sex was determined. Results: Vitamin D was measured in 869 (99%) of the refugees and was low in 470 (54%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51,57%). It was insufficient in 323 (37%, 95%CI 34,41%) and deficient in 147 (17%, 95%CI 15,20%). Female sex was associated with at least a 10 times increased risk of vitamin D deficiency (relative ratio 13.93, 95%CI 10.15,17.96). Women aged between 17 and 45 years and men aged 46 years and more were at greatest risk. Conclusion: Poor vitamin D status is prevalent among refugees arriving in New Zealand. Women, particularly those of child-bearing age are at greatest risk. Screening and ongoing surveillance for vitamin D deficiency should be considered for all recent refugee immigrants to New Zealand. [source] Vitamin D deficiency is common and unrecognized among recently arrived adult immigrants from The Horn of AfricaINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 1-2 2003S. A. Skull Abstract The prevalence of and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were examined for recent adult immigrants from East Africa living in Melbourne. Demographic data were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire and risk factors predicting deficiency were examined. Suboptimal levels <25 nmol/L were found in 61 patients (53%; 74% of women; 20% of men). Lower levels were more likely in: (i) patients with a longer duration of residence in Australia, (ii) patients who were mostly covered when outdoors and (iii) women. Routine assessment for vitamin D deficiency should be considered for male and female immigrants from East Africa. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 47,51) [source] Nutritional rickets and z scores for height in the United Arab Emirates: To D or not to D?PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2008Jaishen Rajah Abstract Background: Vitamin D deficiency is still prevalent worldwide, including the Middle East. A cohort of patients with nutritional rickets was treated with vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) alone. After this intervention, patients were followed to document changes in z scores for height after treatment. The secondary aim was to determine the proportion of affected children who had vitamin D deficiency or calcium deficiency. Methods: Z score for height was calculated as the difference between the observed value and the median value, divided by the SD of the population. Z scores were compared in patients before and after treatment. Results: The improvement in z score after treatment was 0.86 ± 0.95. The 95% confidence interval for the mean difference was 1.32,0.40 (t = 3.95, P < 0.001). With a diagnostic cut-off for 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25D) deficiency of <25 nmol/L, only half were diagnosed with severe vitamin D deficiency. The remaining patients had presumable calcium deficiency. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was negatively correlated to z scores, implying that higher ALP concentrations predicted severe bone disease (lower z scores). The variables 25D and age were moderately and positively correlated (Pearson's r = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.15,0.84; P = 0.01), indicating that younger infants had the lowest 25D levels. Conclusion: Vitamin D alone was efficient in resolving radiological and biochemical disturbances as well as improving z scores for height in a cohort of children with nutritional rickets, which included patients with 25D deficiency as well as calcium deficiency. The results support the hypothesis of the interplay and continuum of 25D deficiency and calcium deficiency in the pathogenesis of rickets. [source] Latest news and product developmentsPRESCRIBER, Issue 2 2008Article first published online: 11 FEB 200 NICE should evaluate all new medicines NICE should determine the cost effectiveness of all new medicines, the Health Select Committee has concluded in its second review of the Institute. The review, prompted by criticisms from patients, health professionals and the pharmaceutical industry, found that NICE is doing ,a vital job in difficult circumstances'. The Committee called for the costs to carers and society to be included in cost effectiveness estimates (this is currently prohibited) and for cost per QALY thresholds to be aligned with NHS affordability. NICE should publish brief appraisals at the time of a product launch , these could be used to negotiate prices. GPs responsible for unlicensed co-proxamol GPs who prescribe co-proxamol are now responsible for the consequences, the MHRA warns. The Agency agrees that the drug may be needed by ,a small group of patients who are likely to find it very difficult to change from co-proxamol or where alternatives appear not to be effective or suitable'. Following the withdrawal of product licences, stock that is currently in the supply chain may be dispensed but no new stock should be released by suppliers. The Drug Tariff price of co-proxamol has now increased from £2.79 to £20.36 per 100 tablets. Vitamin D deficiency on the increase Pregnant and breastfeeding women may need vitamin D supplements, the Department of Health has warned, and GPs are seeing increasing numbers of patients with vitamin D deficiency. Endogenous synthesis may be low in some ethnic groups and dark-skinned people, and north of Birmingham there is no light of the appropriate wavelength for the synthesis of vitamin D during the winter. The Department says free vitamin supplements are available for eligible patients through its Healthy Start Scheme (www.healthystart.nhs.uk) and may also be supplied at low cost by some PCTs. Innovation and good practice recognised Innovative practice and better outcomes for patients have been recognised through awards from the NHS Alliance and Improvement Foundation presented by the Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Alan Johnson, at the annual NHS Alliance conference held in Manchester. The Mountwood Surgery in Northwood, Middlesex, won the CHD QOF GP Practice Award sponsored by Schering Plough for their outstanding multidisciplinary approach to tackling CHD. In addition to having a highly organised in-house cardiology team, they have produced an interactive, patient-empowering booklet for CHD. Mountwood Surgery achieved blood pressure targets of 96.79 per cent in their CHD patients. North Tees PCT wins the CHD QOF PCO Award, also sponsored by Schering Plough, for their support and encouragement to GP practices to ,own' CHD care. They provide timely feedback of performance data using funnel plots and regular communication by the CHD LIT and Cardiac Network. Even though North Tees PCT has a high CHD prevalence, 4.2 per cent vs 3.6 per cent nationally, across the 27 practices 85 per cent of patients achieved cholesterol targets and 91 per cent reached the QOF blood pressure target. The St Benedict's Hospice Day Centre Project (for the Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust) won the Guy Rotherham Award for its excellent multidisciplinary team improvement of the palliative care provided. This team demonstrated a thorough understanding of the use of quality improvement methods to improve patient care, and carefully measured the individual improvements they made. Through the use of a referral ,decision tree', nonattenders were reduced by 300 per cent and average waiting times halved. The Extended Primary Care (EPC) Gynaecology Service (for the Practice Based Commissioning Consortium South Manchester Hub) was highly commended for its development of an effective and innovative service offering gynaecological treatment managed within a primary care setting, allowing patients improved access closer to home. The Salford Perinatal Mental Health Project was also highly commended for effectively challenging the high levels of maternal suicides. The awards were also supported by Prescriber, the British Cardiac Patients Association and the British Cardiac Society. Anastrozole superior to tamoxifen in long term A new analysis of the ATAC trial (Lancet Oncology 2008;9:45-53) shows that the advantages of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole (Arimidex) over tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer persist for at least four years after the end of treatment. After primary treatment with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, postmenopausal women with localised invasive breast cancer were randomised to five years' treatment with anastrozole or tamoxifen. Among 5216 women who were hormone-receptor positive, anastrozole increased disease-free survival by 15 per cent after 100 months. Time to recurrence and distant recurrence were also increased, though overall survival was similar; the absolute difference in time to recurrence was greater at nine years (4.8 per cent) than at five years (2.8 per cent). Joint symptoms and fractures were more frequent with anastrozole during treatment but not thereafter. Use a steroid with a LABA , MHRA reminder The MHRA has reminded clinicians that patients treated with an inhaled long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) should also use an inhaled steroid. In the latest edition of Drug Safety Update (2008;1:No.6), the Agency reviews the implications of the SMART study (Chest 2006;129:15-26), which reported an increased risk of respiratory- and asthma-related deaths among patients using salmeterol (Serevent). This is contradicted by epidemiological data suggesting that asthma-related admissions have declined since LABAs were introduced. Randomised trials also do not support such a risk, probably because inhaled steroids are used more consistently in trial settings. The latest Update notes that product licences for carisoprodol (Carisoma) have been suspended due to concerns about the risk of abuse and psychomotor effects. It also includes a comprehensive summary of drug interactions with statins, a warning that methylene blue should not be prescribed for a patient taking a drug with serotonergic activity, and a reminder that only oral formulations of desmopressin are now licensed for primary nocturnal enuresis. This issue of Update is available at www.mhra.gov.uk. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Skeletal Integrity and Visceral TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2010J. Resnick Despite continuous improvement in long-term survival, there is no knowledge about risk of bone health impairment and management strategies before and after intestinal transplantation. Therefore, 147 adults were retrospectively studied via chart review; 70 long-term survivors, 53 candidates and 24 recipients with longitudinal follow-up. Evaluation process included measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) and allied biochemical markers. Both long-term survivors and candidates showed low bone mass with lower (p < 0.05) z-scores at hip, femoral neck and spine. Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism were observed in both groups. Prevalence of osteoporosis was 44% among long-term survivors and 36% in candidates with age, BMD, duration of parenteral nutrition, type of immunosuppression and rejection being significant risk factors. Fragility fractures occurred at a higher (p = 0.02) rate among long-term survivors (20%) compared to candidates (6%). The longitudinal study documented acceleration (p = 0.025) of bone loss after transplantation with a decline of 13.4% (femoral neck), 12.7% (hip) and 2.1% (spine). Alendronate reduced (p < 0.05) but did not prevent bone loss. In conclusion, intestinal transplant recipients are at risk of osteoporosis secondary to bone loss before and after transplantation. Accordingly, current management includes comprehensive preventive measures with prompt therapeutic intervention utilizing intravenous bisphosphonates or subcutaneous human PTH 1,34. [source] Vitamin D deficiency is common among pregnant women in rural VictoriaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Glyn R. TEALE There is increasing evidence to implicate vitamin D deficiency in a variety of diseases. Previous advice has been to screen high-risk pregnant women. This study shows that, despite abundant sunshine and latitude consistent with year-long vitamin D synthesis, 65.5% of a largely low-risk antenatal population in rural Victoria have insufficient vitamin D. Over 5.0% of women have vitamin D levels that pose a significant neonatal and adult health risk. These findings support routine antenatal testing of vitamin D levels. [source] Failure to normalize parathyroid hormone during treatment of vitamin D deficiency in Asian patientsCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Steven R. Peacey Summary objective, Vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia remain commonplace within the Asian community in Bradford. The treatment of vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia is cheap and effective, but there are few data on long-term outcomes. Studies have suggested that a minority of patients fail to normalize parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels during therapy with vitamin D. This study aimed to determine what proportion of Asian patients with vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism normalize PTH levels following therapy with oral vitamin D and to examine reasons for failure to normalize PTH. design, This study examined the impact of an oral regimen of vitamin D 800 i.u. (20 micrograms) and calcium 1000 mg daily, on PTH levels within an endocrinology outpatient clinic. patients, 51 (4M:47F) Asian patients, median age 39 years (range 16,77 years) with vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D < 25 nmol/l) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH > 5·7 pmol/l). measurements, All patients had at least one follow-up measurement of PTH and calcium during treatment. A subgroup of patients gave consent for examination of GP-prescribing records to indirectly asses adherence to therapy. results, PTH normalized in only 28/51 (55%) patients (group N) and failed to normalize in 23/51 (45%) patients (group F). Baseline patient characteristics including: age, basal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), basal serum PTH, basal serum calcium and post treatment serum calcium, were similar in groups N and F. Mild hypercalcaemia occurred in only two (3·9%) patients. The proportion of prescriptions collected by patients in group N was 75 (17,100)% and in group F was 17 (0,100)%, P < 0·0001. conclusions, This study has demonstrated that long-term oral treatment with vitamin D and calcium, fails to normalize PTH in a significant proportion of patients with vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia. This is most likely related to lack of adherence to long-term treatment. Improved ways of treating this condition need to be explored. [source] Vitamin D status in female patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: does it play a role in skeletal damage?CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Vincenzo Carnevale Summary objective, Vitamin D deficiency, even subclinical, has been considered to worsen the skeletal damage in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Our study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D status on skeletal involvement in PHPT. design and measurements, A cross-sectional study was designed involving 62 female patients with PHPT. Serum total calcium (tCa), phosphate (P), creatinine (Cr) and total alkaline phosphatase activity (AP), together with 24-h (uCa 24 h) and spot fasting (uCa/Cr) urinary calcium, were measured by autoanalyser; ionized calcium (iCa) was assessed by an ion-specific electrode; intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine in 58 patients, and at femoral neck, Ward's triangle, greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line and total hip in 56 patients. The associations of all variables with age, 25-OHD, body mass index (BMI) and PTH were studied by linear multiple regression analysis, using progressively restricted models. results, The model including age, 25-OHD, PTH and BMI showed significant regression with BMD values. PTH, age and BMI exerted a leading role in determining such a significance, while no significant regression was found between the parameters studied and 25-OHD; this was confirmed by Pearson's linear correlation analysis. The progressively restricted models showed significant regression of BMD at femoral neck, femoral intertrochanteric line and total hip with age, BMI and PTH. BMD measured at the Ward's triangle and greater trochanter showed significant regression with age and BMI, and that measured at lumbar spine with age. conclusions, Our data indicate that in primary hyperparathyroidism patients the influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels on bone mineral density, if any, was overwhelmed by the effects of parathyroid hormone excess, age and body mass index. The latter unequally affected bone mineral density of various measured sites with different composition. [source] Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with prevalent osteoarthritis of the hip in elderly men: The osteoporotic fractures in men studyARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 2 2010R. K. Chaganti Objective To examine the cross-sectional association of serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D, with prevalent radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA) in elderly men. Methods In a cohort of 1,104 elderly men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study, 25(OH)D serum levels were determined by mass spectrometry, followed by pelvic radiographs ,4.6 years later. Categories of vitamin D levels were defined as follows: deficiency as ,15 ng/ml, insufficiency as 15.1,30 ng/ml, and sufficiency as >30 ng/ml. Radiographs were assessed for severity of hip OA using a summary grade of 0,4 for individual features of hip OA. Logistic regression was used to assess associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with prevalent radiographic hip OA; covariates included age, clinic site, season at the time of blood withdrawal, self-reported hip pain for >30 days, timed 6-meter walk, presence of at least 1 coexisting condition, and self-rated health status. Results Men with radiographic hip OA had a slower 6-meter walking time (P < 0.0001), reported more hip pain (P = 0.0001), had a lower vitamin D level (P = 0.0002), and had a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (P = 0.002) and vitamin D deficiency (P = 0.012) compared with controls. Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with a lower prevalence of radiographic hip OA (odds ratio [OR] 1.39 per 1 SD decrease in 25[OH]D, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.11,1.74) after adjusting for age, season, and clinic site. Men with vitamin D insufficiency had an increased likelihood of prevalent radiographic hip OA (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.21,3.97) compared with men with sufficient levels of 25(OH)D, and in men with vitamin D deficiency, there was a tendency toward an increased likelihood of radiographic hip OA (OR 1.99, 95% CI 0.83,4.74). Conclusion Men with vitamin D deficiencies are twice as likely to have prevalent radiographic hip OA, and therefore vitamin D therapy to augment skeletal health in the elderly is warranted. [source] Vitamin D and innate immunityDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2010Jeremiah Miller ABSTRACT Vitamin D's role in bone health has been well established. Recently, studies have identified additional roles of vitamin D in the immune system, cardiovascular system, and cancer prevention. The effect of vitamin D on the immune system is particularly relevant to the dermatologist in that it has implications for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin cancer. However, there is much disagreement on a dose of vitamin D that is both safe and effective as both ultraviolet exposure and certain vitamin D-rich foods come with unwanted consequences. This review aims to update the dermatologist on the roles of vitamin D in the immune system, the safety and dose of different sources, and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency that may necessitate supplementation. Immune consequences of vitamin D status represent one additional aspect that illustrates how guidelines for supplementation are needed and will only be useful clinically if they are presented in context with validated controlled clinical trials. [source] Mineral metabolism disturbances in patients with chronic kidney diseaseEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 8 2007B. Kestenbaum Abstract Background Kidney disease, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a worldwide public health problem with serious adverse health consequences for affected individuals. Secondary hyperparathyroidism, a disorder characterized by elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels, and alteration of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis are common metabolic complications of CKD that may impact cardiovascular health. Materials and methods Here, we systematically review published reports from recent observational studies and clinical trials that examine markers of altered mineral metabolism and clinical outcomes in patients with CKD. Results Mineral metabolism disturbances begin early during the course of chronic kidney disease, and are associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in observational studies. Vascular calcification is one plausible mechanism connecting renal-related mineral metabolism with cardiovascular risk. Individual therapies to correct mineral metabolism disturbances have been associated with clinical benefit in some observational studies; clinical trials directed at more comprehensive control of this problem are warranted. Conclusions There exists a potential to improve outcomes for patients with CKD through increased awareness of the Bone Metabolism and Disease guidelines set forth by the National Kidney Foundation,Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. Future studies may include more aggressive therapy with a combination of agents that address vitamin D deficiency, parathyroid hormone and phosphorus excess, as well as novel agents that modulate circulating promoters and inhibitors of calcification. [source] Vitamin D deficiency in a multinational refugee populationINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 12 2007H. D. Wishart Abstract Background: Populations with increased skin pigmentation who have migrated to countries of high latitude are at increased risk of low vitamin D. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low vitamin D among the refugee population arriving in New Zealand. Methods: An audit of all refugees arriving at the national refugee resettlement centre from May 2004 to May 2005 was carried out. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were measured and defined as normal (50,150 nmol/L) or low, with low subdivided into insufficient (25 to <50 nmol/L) and deficient (<25 nmol/L). Whether vitamin D status varied with age and sex was determined. Results: Vitamin D was measured in 869 (99%) of the refugees and was low in 470 (54%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51,57%). It was insufficient in 323 (37%, 95%CI 34,41%) and deficient in 147 (17%, 95%CI 15,20%). Female sex was associated with at least a 10 times increased risk of vitamin D deficiency (relative ratio 13.93, 95%CI 10.15,17.96). Women aged between 17 and 45 years and men aged 46 years and more were at greatest risk. Conclusion: Poor vitamin D status is prevalent among refugees arriving in New Zealand. Women, particularly those of child-bearing age are at greatest risk. Screening and ongoing surveillance for vitamin D deficiency should be considered for all recent refugee immigrants to New Zealand. [source] Vitamin D deficiency is common and unrecognized among recently arrived adult immigrants from The Horn of AfricaINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 1-2 2003S. A. Skull Abstract The prevalence of and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were examined for recent adult immigrants from East Africa living in Melbourne. Demographic data were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire and risk factors predicting deficiency were examined. Suboptimal levels <25 nmol/L were found in 61 patients (53%; 74% of women; 20% of men). Lower levels were more likely in: (i) patients with a longer duration of residence in Australia, (ii) patients who were mostly covered when outdoors and (iii) women. Routine assessment for vitamin D deficiency should be considered for male and female immigrants from East Africa. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 47,51) [source] The prevalence of vitamin D abnormalities in South Asians with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the UKINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 3 2010A. A. Tahrani Summary Background:, The high prevalence of both hypovitaminosis D and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the Asian community is well recognised, but the impact of diabetes on vitamin D status and vice versa, has not been well reported. Aims:, To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Asian patients with T2DM and its impact on glycaemic control. Methods:, A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary referral centre in the UK. Two hundred and ten Asian patients aged more than 40 years were included (170 with and 40 without T2DM). Each had a standard bone profile (serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase), serum parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Results:, The prevalence of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (< 50 nmol/l) was high in the group as a whole (> 80%) and more common in diabetics compared with controls (83% vs. 70%; p = 0.07). This was particularly so in men (82.5% vs. 57.9%; p = 0.02). HbA1c was higher in women with vitamin D deficiency (< 12.5 nmol/l) (8.11 ± 1.11% vs. 7.33 ± 1.32%, p = 0.046). In logistic regression analysis, T2DM was an independent predictor of hypovitaminosis D. In linear regression analysis, vitamin D deficiency was independently related to HbA1c in women with T2DM. Conclusions:, Hypovitaminosis D remains a major public health issue in the Asian population and is exaggerated in patients with T2DM. The fact that vitamin D deficient women had higher HbA1c levels raises the possibility that vitamin D replacement may improve glycaemic control. [source] Residual rickets or osteomalacia: a case dating from the 16,18th centuries from Krosno Odrza,skie, PolandINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 5 2009E. Haduch Abstract A skeleton from a 16,18th century burial site in Krosno Odrza,skie, Poland, was examined using classical morphological, metric and macroscopic palaeopathological observations, as well as radiography and tomography of the skull and long bones. A wide variety of the observed bone deformations probably occurred as a consequence of past rickets and/or osteomalacia, whose primary cause may also have been chronic renal failure. Preservation of the bones enables a discussion of the cause of such pathological changes. The subject under study appears to be a very interesting example of an individual whose skeleton shows advanced pathological alterations associated with the subject's vitamin D deficiency, overall health conditions and relatively long lifespan. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The frequency of low bone mineral density and its associated risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel diseasesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 3 2010Yasser EZZAT Abstract Objective:, To detect the frequency and the predictive factors of low bone mineral density in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, so as to optimize bone mineral density (BMD) monitoring and treatment for those at risk. Subjects and methods:, Thirty Asian patients were included in this study and were divided into 18 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 12 patients with Crohn's disease (CD). All patients were diagnosed by colonoscopy and histopathological biopsy and were subjected to routine laboratory investigations in addition to 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels as well as serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatise. BMD was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at lumbar spine and femoral neck; predictive factors for BMD were analyzed by group comparison and step-wise regression analysis. Results:, There was increased frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia involving the lumbar spine in patients with IBD being more common among CD patients than in the UC group. Positive correlations were found between low BMD measurements and vitamin D levels, body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001) as well as steroid cumulative dose and duration of therapy (P < 0.001); stepwise regression analysis showed that CD and vitamin D deficiency are predictive factors for both osteoporosis and osteopenia (P = 0.024, P = 0.027, respectively). Conclusion:, Low BMD was found to be more frequent among patients with CD than UC; in addition CD and vitamin D deficiency act as predictive factors for low BMD. We recommend that calcium and vitamin D should be given to all IBD patients; in addition, bisphosphonate administration should be put into consideration. [source] Rickets and osteomalacia in northeast Iran: report of 797 casesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 2 2008Mohammadhassan JOKAR ABSTRACT Aim:, To study the clinical, biochemical and radiographic features of rickets and osteomalacia in north-east of Iran. Methods:, We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with diagnosis of rickets and osteomalacia during the past 20 years (1986,2006) in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Results:, There were 797 patients (795 female, 2 male). Their ages were between 8,74 years. Most cases were in their second decade of life. The most common clinical findings were: bone pain 96.4%, muscle weakness 81%, abnormal gait 43%, and bone deformity 19.6%. The most common laboratory finding was high serum alkaline phosphatase (92%) followed by hypophosphatemia 54.6%, and hypocalcemia (21%). Radiographic findings were: epiphyseal growth plate alterations 74.4%, osteopenia 63%, ground glass appearance 28.6%, and Looser's zones 26.5%. All except four patients were cured with vitamin D and calcium. Conclusion:, Rickets and osteomalacia are common disorders in our region. Females especially in the growing years are often involved. The most common cause of rickets and osteomalacia in our region is vitamin D deficiency probably due to inadequate sun exposure. [source] Heterogeneity in Serum 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Response to Cholecalciferol in Elderly Women with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Vitamin D DeficiencyJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2010Andrea Giusti MD OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) of two dosing regimens of cholecalciferol in women with secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH) and hypovitaminosis D and to investigate variables affecting 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol. DESIGN: Randomized-controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. SETTING: Two osteoporosis centers in northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty community-dwelling women aged 65 and older with sHPTH and hypovitaminosis D, creatinine clearance greater than 65 mL/min and without diseases or drugs known to influence bone and vitamin D metabolism. INTERVENTION: Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU every 3 months, once at baseline and once at 3 months (intermittent D3 group) or cholecalciferol 1,000 IU/day (daily D3 group). MEASUREMENTS: Serum PTH, 25(OH)D, calcium, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, ,-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, phosphate, 24-hour urinary calcium excretion. RESULTS: The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. All participants had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D<20 ng/mL)], and 36 subjects (60%) had severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL), with no difference between the groups (severe deficiency: intermittent D3 group, n=18; daily D3 group, n=18). After 3 and 6 months, both groups had a significant increase in 25(OH)D and a reduction in PTH. Mean absolute increase±standard deviation of 25(OH)D at 6 months was higher in the intermittent D3 group (22.7±11.8 ng/mL) than in the daily D3 group (13.7±6.7 ng/mL, P<.001), with a higher proportion of participants in the intermittent D3 group reaching desirable serum concentration of 25(OH)D , 30 ng/mL (55% in the intermittent D3 group vs 20% in the daily D3 group, P<.001). Mean percentage decrease of PTH in the two groups was comparable, and at 6 months, a similar proportion of participants reached normal PTH values. 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol showed a wide variability. In a logistic regression analysis, body mass index and type of treatment appeared to be significantly associated with normalization of 25(OH)D values. CONCLUSION: Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU every 3 months was more effective than 1,000 IU daily in correcting vitamin D deficiency, although the two groups achieved similar effects on PTH at 6 months. Only 55% of the higher-dose intermittent group reached desirable concentrations of 25(OH)D, suggesting that yet-higher doses will be required for adequate vitamin D repletion. [source] Associations Between Vitamin D Status and Pain in Older Adults: The Invecchiare in Chianti StudyJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 5 2008Gregory E. Hicks PhD OBJECTIVES: To examine cross-sectional associations between vitamin D status and musculoskeletal pain and whether they differ by sex. DESIGN: Population-based study of persons living in the Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy). SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred fifty-eight persons (aged ,65) selected from city registries of Greve and Bagno a Ripoli. MEASUREMENTS: Pain was categorized as mild or no pain in the lower extremities and back; moderate to severe back pain, no lower extremity pain; moderate to severe lower extremity pain, no back pain; and moderate to severe lower extremity and back pain (dual region). Vitamin D was measured according to radioimmunoassay, and deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) less than 25 nmol/L. RESULTS: The mean age±standard deviation was 75.1±7.3 for women and 73.9±6.8 for men. Fifty-eight percent of women had at least moderate pain in some location, compared with 27% of men. After adjusting for potential confounders, vitamin D deficiency was not associated with lower extremity pain or dual-region pain, although it was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of at least moderate back pain without lower extremity pain in women (odds ratio=1.96, 95% confidence interval=1.01,3.59) but not in men. CONCLUSION: Lower concentrations of 25(OH)D are associated with significant back pain in older women but not men. Because vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain are fairly prevalent in older adults, these findings suggest it may be worthwhile to query older adults about their pain and screen older women with significant back pain for vitamin D deficiency. [source] Low Serum Vitamin D Does Not Predict New Disability or Loss of Muscle Strength in Older WomenJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 5 2002René Verreault MD OBJECTIVES: To determine whether serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) predict accelerated decline in muscular strength or onset of new disability in mobility and upper extremity functioning over a 3-year follow-up. DESIGN: A community-based prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred twenty-eight moderately to severely disabled women aged 65 and older living in the community. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were divided into three groups of baseline 25(OH)D serum levels (deficiency: <25 nmol/L; low normal: 25,52 nmol/L; high normal: ,53 nmol/L) and into tertiles of PTH levels. Objective performance measures (hip flexor, knee extensor, and grip strengths; walking speed; and time for repeated chair stands) and disability in activities involving mobility and upper extremity function were assessed at baseline and every 6 months for 3 years. Decline in performance measures and onset of new disability were compared between 25(OH)D and PTH groups using random effects models and proportional hazards models, respectively, while adjusting for age, race, education, body mass index, baseline performance, and chronic conditions. RESULTS: The annual rate of decline over 3 years in muscular strength, walking speed, and time to perform repeated chair stands was similar across 25(OH)D groups. We observed a nonsignificantly faster decline in proximal muscle strength and walking speed with increasing PTH levels. There was no association for either measure between serum levels and the risk of incident disability in activities relating to mobility and upper extremity function. CONCLUSION: This study does not support the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency is associated with loss in muscular strength and decline in mobility and upper extremity functioning over time in older women who were moderately to severely disabled at baseline. [source] Bone mineralization defects and vitamin D deficiency: Histomorphometric analysis of iliac crest bone biopsies and circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 675,patientsJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2010Matthias Priemel Abstract Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is only one measurable index of skeletal health, and we reasoned that a histomorphometric analysis of iliac crest biopsies would be another and even more direct approach to assess bone health and address the required minimum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level. A cohort from the northern European population with its known high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency therefore would be ideal to answer the latter question. We examined 675 iliac crest biopsies from male and female individuals, excluding all patients who showed any signs of secondary bone diseases at autopsy. Structural histomorphometric parameters, including osteoid indices, were quantified using the Osteomeasure System according to ASBMR standards, and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured for all patients. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test. The histologic results demonstrate an unexpected high prevalence of mineralization defects, that is, a pathologic increase in osteoid. Indeed, 36.15% of the analyzed patients presented with an osteoid surface per bone surface (OS/BS) of more than 20%. Based on the most conservative threshold that defines osteomalacia at the histomorphometric level with a pathologic increase in osteoid volume per bone volume (OV/BV) greater than 2% manifest mineralization defects were present in 25.63% of the patients. The latter were found independent of bone volume per trabecular volume (BV/TV) throughout all ages and affected both sexes equally. While we could not establish a minimum 25(OH)D level that was inevitably associated with mineralization defects, we did not find pathologic accumulation of osteoid in any patient with circulating 25(OH)D above 75,nmol/L. Our data demonstrate that pathologic mineralization defects of bone occur in patients with a serum 25(OH)D below 75,nmol/L and strongly argue that in conjunction with a sufficient calcium intake, the dose of vitamin D supplementation should ensure that circulating levels of 25(OH)D reach this minimum threshold (75,nmol/L or 30,ng/mL) to maintain skeletal health. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source] Does Low Vitamin D Status Contribute to "Age-Related" Morbidity?JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue S2 2007Neil Binkley MD Abstract It is increasingly appreciated that vitamin D plays important physiological roles beyond the musculoskeletal system. As such, it is plausible that endemic vitamin D deficiency contributes to much nonskeletal morbidity that adversely affects quality of life with advancing age among older adults. This overview will explore the evidence for, and potential involvement of, vitamin D deficiency in nonbone conditions that are currently accepted as "age-related" morbidity among older adults. [source] Rickets in the 17th Century,,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2006Jeffrey LH O'Riordan Abstract Rickets was first documented as a cause of death in the Bills of Mortality for The City of London in 1634, but detailed descriptions were only published between 1645 and 1668. It was thought at the time that this was a new disease in England, but there was no indication as to the cause of the condition. However, air pollution from smoke produced by burning coal caused serious problems at that time, and so it can be suggested that vitamin D deficiency was responsible. [source] Effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of exclusively breastfed infantsMATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION, Issue 1 2009Hussein F. Saadi Abstract Severe vitamin D deficiency in mothers and their breastfed infants is a significant health problem in the Middle East. Supplementation of the breastfed infant alone with the recommended dose of vitamin D may be insufficient in high-risk population. We investigated the effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of the breastfed infant. We examined also the effect of supplementation on vitamin D antirachitic activity of breast milk in a subset of mothers. Healthy breastfeeding mothers (n = 90) were randomly assigned to 2000 IU daily (group 1) or 60 000 IU monthly (group 2) of vitamin D2, and all their infants (n = 92) received 400 IU daily of vitamin D2 for 3 months. Most infants had vitamin D deficiency , 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] , 37.5 nmol L,1, at study entry. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations at 3 months increased significantly from baseline in infants of mothers in group 1 (13.9 ± 8.6 vs. 49.6 ± 18.5 nmol L,1, P < 0.0001) and group 2 (13.7 ± 12.1 vs. 44.6 ± 15.0 nmol L,1, P < 0.0001). Maternal and infant serum 25(OH)D concentrations correlated positively at baseline (r = 0.36, P = 0.01) and 3 months (r = 0.46, P = 0.002). Milk antirachitic activity increased from undetectable (<20 IU L,1) to a median of 50.9 IU L,1. In conclusion, combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation was associated with a threefold increase in infants' serum 25(OH)D concentrations and a 64% reduction in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency without causing hypervitaminosis D. [source] Modern India and the vitamin D dilemma: Evidence for the need of a national food fortification programMOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 8 2010Uma S. Babu Abstract India is located between 8.4 and 37.6°N latitude with the majority of its population living in regions experiencing ample sunlight throughout the year. Historically, Indians obtained most of their vitamin D through adequate sun exposure; however, darker skin pigmentation and the changes which have accompanied India's modernization, including increased hours spent working indoors and pollution, limit sun exposure for many. Inadequate sun exposure results in reduced vitamin D synthesis and ultimately poor vitamin D status if not compensated by dietary intake. Dietary vitamin D intake is very low in India because of low consumption of vitamin D rich foods, absence of fortification and low use of supplements. All these factors contribute to poor vitamin D status as measured by low circulating levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Our review searches the published literature specific to India for evidence that would confirm the need to fortify food staples with vitamin D or stimulate public health policies for vitamin D supplementation and dietary guidelines tailored to the Indian diet. This review documents findings of widespread vitamin D deficiency in Indian populations in higher and lower socioeconomic strata, in all age groups, in both genders and people in various professions. Moreover, poor vitamin D status in India is accompanied by increased bone disorders including osteoporosis, osteomalacia in adults and rickets and other bone deformities in children. Without a concerted national effort to screen for vitamin D status, to implement policies or guidelines for vitamin D fortification and/or supplementation and to re-assess recommended dietary intake guidelines, dramatic increase in the number of bone disorders and other diseases may lie ahead. [source] The estimated benefits of vitamin D for GermanyMOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 8 2010A. Zittermann Abstract This article gives an overview of the vitamin D status in Germany, provides evidence for an independent association of vitamin D deficiency with various chronic diseases, and discusses preventive measures for improving vitamin D status in Germany. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is 40,45% in the general German population. An additional 15,30% are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D can prevent falls and osteoporotic fractures in older people. There is also accumulating evidence that vitamin D may prevent excess mortality and may probably prevent some chronic diseases that occur in early life such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Adherence to present sun safety policy (avoidance of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm) and dietary recommendations (5,10,,g daily for adults) would, however, definitively lead to vitamin D deficiency. The estimated cost saving effect of improving vitamin D status in Germany might be up to 37.5 billion , annually. It should be the goal of nutrition and medical societies to erase vitamin D deficiency in Germany within the next 5,10 years. To achieve this goal, the daily production of at least 25,,g of vitamin D in the skin or an equivalent oral intake should be guaranteed. [source] Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism of dialysis patientsNEPHROLOGY, Issue 2003Tadao AKIZAWA SUMMARY: Hyperphosphatemia, vitamin D deficiency, and resulted hypocalcemia have been regarded as classical pathogeneses of secondary hyperparathyroidism. These factors have been treated by the administration of phosphorus binder and vitamin D derivatives. However, these therapies have not brought about a successful result for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The reason could be mainly attributed to the hypercalcemia that results from the administration of calcium salts as a phosphorus binder and the calcemic action of vitamin D. To prevent hypercalcemia, non-calcium containing phosphorus binder (sevelamer hydrochloride) and vitamin D analogues, which suppress PTH secretion with minimum calcemic action, have been developed. These new vitamin D analogues include 19-nor-1-alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 (paricalcitol), 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D2 (doxercalciferol), 22oxa-calcitriol (maxacalcitol) and F6-calcitriol (falecalcitriol). Furthermore, calcimimetics that stimulate calcium-sensing receptor of parathyroid cells as calcium and suppress PTH secretion are now under clinical trial. Percutaneous direct injection therapy of vitamin D, vitamin D analogue or calcimimetics into parathyroid gland has also been reported. The combination of these new strategies is expected to effectively and safely suppresses secondary hyperparathyroidism that has been resistant to conventional medical treatments. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||