Frequency and trend of vitamin D deficiency in correlation with demographic and selected biochemical parameters in Karachi, Pakistan.

Abstract

To evaluate the frequency and trend of vitamin D deficiency, and to find its correlation with demographic and selected biochemical parameters. The retrospective study was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi, and comprised clinical laboratory data of individuals tested for vitamin D from January 2013 to March 2018. The trend of vitamin D deficiency and frequency was assessed in relation to age, gender and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone. Data was analysed using Stata software. Of the 35,017 tests analysed, 23,522 (67.2%) related to females and 11,495 (32.8%) to males (p<0.05). Overall, 25,051 (71.5%) were vitamin D-deficient while 504 (1.4%) had toxic levels. Age had significant correlation with vitamin D deficiency (p<0.05). No significant correlation was observed with any of the biochemical parameters studied (p>0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was high among female gender and young population.