Vitamin D abnormalities in Thai patients with spinal cord injuries

Abstract

Background: Thai patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk of hypovitaminosis D. Data regarding prevalence and factors associated with low vitamin D levels in Asian patients with SCI are limited. Sunlight is considered adequate for vitamin D generation in tropical countries, but dietary factors may play a role invitamin D deficiency in Thai patients with SCI. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with low vitamin D levels in Thai patients with SCI. Methods: Were enrolled patients who were treated for SCI at Khon Kaen University Hospital between August 2013 and April 2014. Inclusion criteria were ?18 years old and diagnosed as having an SCI of >3 months. Patients were excluded if they had bone cancer, stroke, cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, were pregnant, orwere taking medications that might affect vitamin D levels, including supplements. Vitamin D levels and histories of sunlight exposure, diet, and sunscreen use were studied. Results: During the study period, 85 patients met inclusion criteria. Low vitamin D levels were found in 52 (61%). Two factors were found significantly associated with low vitamin D levels by multivariate logistic regression analysis: sunlight exposure of Conclusions: The prevalence of low vitamin D levels in Thai patients with SCI was 61%. Factors associated with low vitamin D levels in SCI patients were the frequency of sunlight exposure and mushroom consumption. Keywords: Risk factors, spinal cord injury, sunlight, vitamin D, 25(OH)D