Assessment of the Vitamin D Levels in the Patients Presenting with Different Medical Conditions and its Correlation with Symptomatology

Abstract

Background:  Vitamin is the important micronutrient that acts like hormone and its deficiency is related to various diseases¹. Limited Data is present for the Pakistani population for vitamin D.

Objectives:  Assess the vitamin D levels in the patients presenting with different medical conditions and its correlation with symptomatology.

Methods:  We randomly took 400 patients visiting the outpatient department for the various diseases and complaints. They were asked about various complains, diet, drugs and food fortification. Blood samples for the vitamin D was collected and results were analyzed statistically. They were divided into four grades; Normal (30-100 ng/ml), Mild deficiency (20-29 ng/ml), Severe deficiency (less than 20 ng/ml) and Toxic levels (more than 100 ng/ml).the correlation between vitamin D levels and symptomatology was also calculated.

Results:  Out of 400 patients, 304 (76%) were female and 96 (24%) were male. Mean value for the vitamin D was 20.70 (for male 20.50 and for female 20.20). Mean value for the age was 45.50. Among 400 subject, 53 (13.25%) had normal values, 80 (20%) had mild deficiency and 264 (66%) had severe deficiency, where as 3 (0.75%) were having toxic levels. The frequency of major symptoms was Generalized body weakness 360 (90%), Bone and joint pains 88 (22%), Diabetes 64 (16%), history of Pathological fracture/falls 45 (11.25%), Depression/anxiety 240 (60%), Blood pressure 132 (33%), Hair loss 8 (02%), Shortness of Breath 60 (15%), Ch. Diarrhea 40 (10%), Weight loss 40 (10%), Fever 20 (5%). Almost all patients having severe deficiency were symptomatic 262 (99.2%).

Conclusion:  Pakistani Urban, Well feed population is grossly deficient of vitamin D and majority of patients with severe deficiency are symptomatic.