Can We Link Vitamin D Deficiency to Benign Prostatic Enlargement? An Observational Case Control Study

Abstract

Purpose: To study the association of prostatic volume, prostatomegaly grade and IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) with vitamin D deficiency if any. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 150 patients, 50 to 70 years of age. Patients presenting with LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) were randomly selected for the study. A diagnostic evaluation for LUTS was done in all the patients based on IPSS & clinical examination. Prostate volume was calculated using Ultrasonography (USG) and serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) cut off of <4 ng/ml was considered for inclusion. Successively all the patients were tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH) D level. Patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency were classified as “study population” and those with normal vitamin D level were classified as controls”. Results: The median serum level of 25(OH) D in the participants was 18.95ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 70% of the participants. The study population had a significantly greater mean prostate volume of 41.32 ± 23.29 ml than 23.42 ± 8.62 in controls (P <0.001). The study population also had significantly greater prostatomegaly grade on DRE and IPSS than controls (P=0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher prostate volume and IPSS score in patients with BPE. If further studies confirm this association, treatment of vitamin D deficiency may help to prevent or delay symptoms of BPE.