Vitamin D Status in Patients with Renal Disorders at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with renal disorders often have insufficient levels of vitamin D. One of the key enzymes involved in activating vitamin D, 1-α hydroxylase, is present in the kidneys. As a result, patients with kidney diseases are more susceptible to developing vitamin D deficiency, which can increase mortality and morbidity in these patients. Additionally, variations in lifestyle and culture can contribute to geographical differences in baseline serum vitamin D levels. Aim: To evaluate and compare serum vitamin D levels in patients with various renal disorders. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry at the KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research Centre in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India from August 2018 to August 2019. Data from 269 patients were collected from the Medical Records Department (MRD) using a predefined data collection tool. All patients with renal disease, regardless of disease severity, who had serum vitamin D levels measured during the study period were included. The collected data included age, gender, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), dietary history, diagnosis, serum vitamin D3 levels, and serum creatinine levels. The data were statistically analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Among the study participants, 148 were males and 121 were females, with a mean age of 54.12±17.43 years. The mean vitamin D3 level in the study population was 20.8 ng/mL. The mean serum creatinine and urea levels were 2.2±1.1 mg/ dL and 63.2±42.1 mg/dL, respectively. The mean estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) was 41.4±25.34 ml/min/1.73 m2. The mean serum calcium, phosphate, and uric acid levels were 5.8±2.65 mg/dL, 2.16±0.87 mg/dL, and 3.6±2.3 mg/dL, respectively. One-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in serum vitamin D3 levels among patients with different renal diseases (F=0.473, p=0.854). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between serum vitamin D3 levels and any other parameters. Conclusion: In present study, only 23% of patients had vitamin D levels within the normal reference range, 22% had insufficient vitamin D levels, and 55% had vitamin D deficiency. No significant difference in vitamin D levels was observed among patients with different renal diseases.