Serum 25Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Taiwanese Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Abstract

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased incidence of allergic airway diseases and is correlated with the severity of asthma. The study was designed to determine if serum Vitamin D level is lower in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and correlated with the severity of CRSwNP. Methods: Patients with latest diagnosis of CRSwNP undergoing elective endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Twenty patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) were used as control. Demographic characteristic information was collected. The severity of CRSwNP was assessed with the Lund-Mackay score and polyp grading system. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). Data were stratified by factors known to affect serum 25OHD, including sex, race, and body mass index. Results: Serum 25OHD levels (ng/ml ± SD) were significantly lower in patients with CRSwNP (21.4 ± 5.7) than in those with CRSsNP (28.8 ± 6.2) ( P < 0.001). A significantly negative relationship was found between serum 25OHD level and polyp grade (r=-0.63, P = 0.001), indicating lower serum 25OHD was associated with higher polyp grade. Serum 25OHD was inversely related to both LM score and total IgE level as well; however, statistical significance was not found. Conclusions: A significantly lower vitamin D level was found in a group of Taiwanese CRSwNP patients, which revealed an association with greater nasal polyp size. Serum vitamin D levels could be added to the routine workup of patients suffering from CRSwNP.