THE CORRELATION BETWEEN DEXA SCAN SCORES AND VITAMIN D LEVELS IN ADULTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Genetic and Developmental Disorders Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 PURPOSE: In this retrospective chart review, the goal of the project was to determine if a correlation can be established between DEXA scan scores and Vitamin D levels in adults who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. This study takes a variety of factors into account when trying to decipher if such correlation exists, including lifestyle, medical history, ethnicity, nutrition, etc. METHODS: Variables analyzed in the study include sex, age, BMI, CF genes, gene severity, CF modulators, PFT/EV1, sweat chloride, Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) levels, DEXA scan Z-score, time of DEXA scan, DEXA scan T-score, Vitamin D supplements and ethnicity. The densitometries were performed on the same machine. The data consisted of 23 males and 21 females, and the mean age was 37.7 years old, with a range of 22 to 57. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was used in conjunction with FEV1, the latter being a marker for cystic fibrosis and the former often used as a marker for a variety of pulmonary diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, etc. The DEXA scan Z-score was taken from the lumbar spine of each patient. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient was determined to be -0.1491, which is indicative of a weak negative relationship between Vitamin D levels and DEXA scan scores. The P-value was calculated as 0.358221 and was deemed insignificant, therefore rejecting our null hypothesis. Analysis of the variables resulted in a mean Vitamin D level of 36.0 ng/mL and a mean DEXA Z-score of -1.2. The most common mutation observed was the F508del mutation. Patients can have two different mutations that cause cystic fibrosis including but not limited to N1303K, R1162X, G551D, L647P, 2185insA, etc. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation coefficient and P-value indicate that there is not a direct linear relationship between Vitamin D levels and DEXA scan scores in cystic fibrosis patients, hence rejecting our hypothesis that there is a direct linear relationship between the two respective variables. The results also confirmed that Vitamin D deficiency is not the only cause of decreased bone densitometry in CF patients. A larger sample size could have been obtained and more data could have been analyzed if access to the Cerner EHR was granted at an earlier time. In retrospect, perhaps other variables should have been focused on instead of Vitamin D levels and DEXA scans. Potential limitations in this study include difficulty obtaining access to the Cerner EHR and delay in obtaining a Vitamin D test after DEXA scan. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This retrospective chart review has provided more insight in regard to various factors which may be correlated. Establishing a correlation between these factors may improve the quality of life and treatment of cystic fibrosis patients. Other variables which should be tested include sweat chloride levels and PFT results, as both vital in establishing care for cystic fibrosis patients. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Raufay Abbasi, source=Web Response Advisory Committee Member relationship with PARI Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 03/31/2020 by Nauman Chaudary, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Advisory Committee Member relationship with Novartis Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 03/31/2020 by Nauman Chaudary, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee No relevant relationships by Mannal Rahman, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Moazan Rehman, source=Web Response