Abstract
Introduction:
Vitamin D is essential for blood calcium and phosphate homeostasis. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and neuroprotective effects. The geriatric population is vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency (VD) due to poor dietary intake, reduced exposure to sunlight, reduced skin thickness, drug interactions, and impaired absorption and metabolism. VD is associated with osteomalacia, high bone turnover, an increased risk of hip fractures, infection, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders and cancer risk. Clinical diagnosis of VD is difficult due to vague symptoms. It is recommended to check serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) as it indicates the best Vitamin D status in the body with both skin-synthesised and dietary sources. According to “ Vitamin D in the older population-consensus statement”, the primary treatment strategies are exposure to sunlight, food fortification and supplementation. Early detection of VD is crucial because effective and safe treatment options are available. This study aims to determine VD prevalence among patients in an acute elderly care ward.
Methods:
This study was conducted retrospectively among patients admitted to an acute elderly care ward who required a Vitamin D level investigation. The serum 25[OH]D was measured using the recommended Vitamin D threshold for the UK: a level of less than 25 nmol/L is considered a deficiency, 25-50 nmol/L is deemed insufficient, and greater than 50 nmol/L is considered sufficient.
Results:
Out of 102 patients, 64 (62.7%) were male. The mean age of the population was 85.2 years (minimum 69, Maximum 97). The prevalence of VD was 19.6%, while the prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency was 28.45%. Only 52% of our population had sufficient Vitamin D levels.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of VD and insufficiency in our study sample is very high. Early detection and starting treatment are vital to prevent harmful complications in the elderly.