Relation between Vitamin D status and hip fractures in elderly women

Abstract

Background: A proximal femur fracture is the most serious complication of osteoporosis, due to the high mortality and morbidity associated with it. Its risk in the elderly is a function of multiple factors, including bone mineral density, muscle strength, and balance, all of which have been related to Vitamin D status and function. Vitamin D deficiency is common in older adults in Western countries with seasonal winters, when the amount of sunlight is much reduced. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with hip fracture in countries such as India where the climate is predominantly tropical. Methods: We prospectively studied 30 patients with hip fracture admitted to the Orthopedic department over a 1-year period. Younger patients (patients < 50 years) were excluded. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, functional status, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were collected. Results: The data of 30 patients (aged between 50 to 73), were analyzed. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH) D < 30 ng/mL) and deficiency (25(OH) D < 20 ng/mL) was 63.3% and 36.6%, respectively. Age and 25(OH) D levels were found to be correlated, with no correlation between the UV index and the 25(OH) D levels.Conclusions: Supplementation of vitamin D in elderly people with and without fracture might prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia and fracture.