Influence of Hypovitaminosis D on the Ocurrence of Fractures

Objective  To measure the levels of vitamin D in patients hospitalized for fractures and to evaluate its relationship with fractures. Methods  A primary, analytical, cross-sectional, non-interventional, observational, controlled study was conducted in humans. The serum measurement of: vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and albumin was performed in 49 patients who were consecutively hospitalized for surgery due to fracture(s) (study group), and in 50 patients without fractures, from the various outpatient clinics, and who underwent routine tests (control group). Results  The mean level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in patients with fractures was of 23.78 ± 8.01 ng/mL (61.22% of patients with fractures had hypovitaminosis D). The mean 25(OH)D of the control group was of 37.52 ± 9.21 ng/mL (10% of the patients had hypovitaminosis D). Most cases of hypovitaminosis (96%) did not course with secondary hyperparathyroidism (mean PTH = 41.80 ± 22.75 pg/mL). Conclusion  Hypovitaminosis D was found in a significant percentage (61.22%) of the patients who suffered fractures. Further studies on the subject are needed to better understand the influence of hypovitaminosis D on the occurrence of fractures, as well as the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in these patients.