Insufficient Levels Of Vitamin Research Articles

The status of vitamin D in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide problem associated with wide spectrum of diseases, ranging from neurological disorders to chronic inflammatory conditions. Objectives: This is a cross sectional case control study performed to compare vitamin D serum levels between full term neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and normal healthy neonates and to determine if there is an association between serum vitamin D levels and neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Patients and methods: This study included 60 full term neonates; 30 of them had the criteria of moderate to severe HIE encephalopathy and the others is clinically free. We measured the serum levels of vitamin D using ELISA in both groups and the mothers of diseased neonates. Results: Neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy had a significant lower (25(OH) vitamin D) than controls (P-value ≤ 0.001), half of them (50%) had deficient levels of vitamin D, 23.3% had insufficient levels and 26.7 had normal levels of vitamin D. The control group had normal level in 90% and only 10% had insufficient levels of vitamin D and there were significant lower levels in serum maternal vitamin D below normal. Conclusion: Full-term neonates with HIE had lower serum levels of vitamin D than healthy neonates with positive correlations between neonatal serum vitamin D levels and their maternal levels.

Epimers of Vitamin D: A Review.

In this review, we discuss the sources, formation, metabolism, function, biological activity, and potency of C3-epimers (epimers of vitamin D). We also determine the role of epimerase in vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and vitamin D receptors (VDR) according to different subcellular localizations. The importance of C3 epimerization and the metabolic pathway of vitamin D at the hydroxyl group have recently been recognized. Here, the hydroxyl group at the C3 position is orientated differently from the alpha to beta orientation in space. However, the details of this epimerization pathway are not yet clearly understood. Even the gene encoding for the enzyme involved in epimerization has not yet been identified. Many published research articles have illustrated the biological activity of C3 epimeric metabolites using an in vitro model, but the studies on in vivo models are substantially inadequate. The metabolic stability of 3-epi-1α,25(OH)2D3 has been demonstrated to be higher than its primary metabolites. 3-epi-1 alpha, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (3-epi-1α,25(OH)2D3) is thought to have fewer calcemic effects than non-epimeric forms of vitamin D. Some researchers have observed a larger proportion of total vitamin D as C3-epimers in infants than in adults. Insufficient levels of vitamin D were found in mothers and their newborns when the epimers were not included in the measurement of vitamin D. Oral supplementation of vitamin D has also been found to potentially cause increased production of epimers in mice but not humans. Moreover, routine vitamin D blood tests for healthy adults will not be significantly affected by epimeric interference using LC–MS/MS assays. Recent genetic models also show that the genetic determinants and the potential factors of C3-epimers differ from those of non-C3-epimers.Most commercial immunoassays techniques can lead to inaccurate vitamin D results due to epimeric interference, especially in infants and pregnant women. It is also known that the LC–MS/MS technique can chromatographically separate epimeric and isobaric interference and detect vitamin D metabolites sensitively and accurately. Unfortunately, many labs around the world do not take into account the interference caused by epimers. In this review, various methods and techniques for the analysis of C3-epimers are also discussed. The authors believe that C3-epimers may have an important role to play in clinical research, and further research is warranted.

Low levels of serum vitamin D in clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients are associated with high levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6.

Low levels of vitamin D are prevalent among patients with schizophrenia and have been linked to the risk and outcome of the disorder. Vitamin D has a regulatory effect on the inflammatory system, which is dysfunctional in schizophrenia. We investigated the association between serum vitamin D levels, inflammatory status, and severity of schizophrenia symptoms. A total of 39 clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients were recruited to the study. Blood samples for biochemical analysis were collected from all participants. Serum levels of vitamin D and cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) were analyzed and the association between biochemical and clinical measures was assessed. Most of the sample (82%) had insufficient levels of vitamin D. There was a significant inverse correlation between serum vitamin D and IL-6 levels (Pearson's r = -0.38, P < 0.05). Vitamin D levels correlated with the severity of positive symptoms (r = 0.39, P < 0.05). These results suggest that within clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients, high levels of vitamin D are associated with lower serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. This relationship may indicate an immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia maintained on clozapine.

The impact of modifiable risk factors on lesion burden in patients with early multiple sclerosis

IntroductionSome studies have indicated the importance of considering smoking, vitamin D deficiency and obesity as negative prognostic factors for clinical and MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of these modifiable risk factors on brain MRI lesion burden of patients with early MS, also exploring the influence on initial clinical features. MethodsMS patients were enrolled at diagnosis time and examined for smoking, body mass index (BMI), serum level of lipids and 25(OH) vitamin D. Brain MRIs’ were acquired and lesion volume assessed by Jim software. Clinical data (disease course, disease duration, and EDSS score) were also collected. Results64 patients were enrolled, of these 4 (6.2%) had a primary progressive course. Mean age was 39.8 ± 11.1 years and mean EDSS 1.5 ± 1.1. Forty (62.5%) patients were smokers and 40 (62.5%) were overweight (BMI>25). Insufficient levels of vitamin D (<20 ng/mL) were reported in 36 (56.2%) patients, while 24 (37.5%) patients had an altered lipid profile with total cholesterol >200 mg/dl and LDL >100 mg/dl. No association between early clinical features and modifiable risk factors were reported. Multiple regression analysis showed an association between lesion burden and smoking status (p 0.003), while no association was reported with BMI, altered lipid profile and vitamin D insufficiency. ConclusionsSeveral risk factors may play a role in evolution of MS. Our results show that smoking status, probably due to chronic vascular and neurotoxic effects of the cigarette components, can affect the brain damage from the early stages of MS. No association was observed with the other explored modifiable risk factors, although an effect due to the small sample size cannot be excluded.

VITAMIN D LEVELS ASSESSMENT IN RELATION TO CORONARY MDCT ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Although vitamin D has a major role at the skeletal mineralization, it has been implicated at cardio vascular system, owing to abundance of its receptor there. Atherosclerosis is the most presenting symptom of such system that warrants the urge to detect the effect of vitamin D serum level changes in progression of the atherosclerosis. Objectives: assess the correlation between vitamin D level and coronary artery findings using MDCT.Patients and methods: 250 patients were included in our study, all of them underwent MDCT for coronary artery angiography, and then the findings were compared with vitamin D serum levels. Results: 4 % of all participants (n=10) had vitamin D deficiency, 44 % (n=110) had insufficient levels of vitamin D, 52 % have sufficient vitamin D level (n=130). There is significant positive correlation between serum vitamin D levels and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) with P

E-POSTERS – DMD – CLINICAL CARE: EP.67Vitamin D levels in patients with neuromuscular disease: a retrospective audit

Vitamin D is known to be important for musculoskeletal health and as per Standards of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy it is recommended that Vitamin D supplements should be considered in all patients where levels cannot be maintained. Public Health England recommends children (1 to 4 years) should be given daily supplements of vitamin D and that all people should consider taking vitamin D supplements during winter because of lack to sunlight exposure. We aimed to understand the impact of low vitamin D levels in neuromuscular patients complaining of low mood, myalgia and fatigue. We retrospectively reviewed Vitamin D and calcium blood levels in 100 consecutive patients attending their annual follow up appointments in the specialist muscle clinics. Vitamin D levels were categorised in deficient (<25nmol/l), insufficient (25-50nmol/l) and sufficient (>50nmol/l). Symptoms relating to low levels of Vitamin D and list of medications were also collected. We collected 100 blood samples for vitamin D and calcium levels, 49/100 samples were paediatric patients. Ten subjects were Vitamin D deficient; thirty-six patients were Vitamin D insufficient. 27% of the deficient/insufficient samples were children. Calcium levels were within normal range for all subjects. Out of the 46 patients with deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D, 17 patients reported pain, 3 patients reported low mood, one patient reported fatigue, 2 patients reported pain and low mood, 1 patient reported pain and fatigue. Six patients with sufficient levels of vitamin D reported symptoms of low mood, fatigue and/or pain. Ten patients were already on vitamin D supplements. The remaining was advised to start vitamin D supplements following the blood test. Testing of Vitamin D levels should be considered in all neuromuscular patients complaining of myalgia, low mood or fatigue irrespectively of being prescribed vitamin D.

Niveles de 25 hidroxivitamina D y su correlación clínica con diferentes variables metabólicas y cardiovasculares en una población de mujeres posmenopáusicas

Introducción: la osteoporosis es la enfermedad ósea metabólica más común. Entre sus causas secundarias se encuentra la deficiencia de vitamina D (VD), la cual predispone además a fracturas por fragilidad e incrementa el riesgo de caídas. También confiere un riesgo incrementado de desarrollar enfermedad cardiovascular, diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y 2.&#x0D; Objetivo: el objetivo principal del estudio fue determinar los niveles de vitamina D en la población y correlacionarlos con diferentes variables clínicas, de laboratorio y densitométricas.&#x0D; Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, de una cohorte de pacientes donde se analizaron datos secundarios de mujeres posmenopáusicas colombianas con diagnóstico de osteoporosis y osteopenia (N=205). Se analizaron 46 variables donde se calcularon estadísticos descriptivos y regresiones lineales múltiples para determinar correlaciones.&#x0D; Resultados: la prevalencia de niveles insuficientes de vitamina D fue 55.1%, (n=113), deficientes 16.6% (n=34), y adecuados sólo 28.29% (n=58). Al comparar los pacientes con niveles deficientes e insuficientes, se encontró que los pacientes con niveles de vitamina D deficientes fue un factor de riesgo para la presencia de fracturas vertebrales, RR de 1.02 (IC: 0.96 a 1.06) y para la hipertensión arterial RR de 1.47 (IC: 1.36 a 1.58).&#x0D; Conclusión: dos terceras partes de nuestra población de pacientes tienen niveles inadecuados de vitamina D, y se encontró correlación con fracturas vertebrales e hipertensión arterial

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial function – An updated systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression

Background and aimsAtherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction contribute to cardiovascular risk and vitamin D has been implemented in endothelial repair. This systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression aims to establish the effect of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial function. Methods and ResultsTo conduct the systematic review we searched the Cochrane Library of Controlled Trials, PubMed, ProQuest and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on flow-mediated dilation (FMD%), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and central augmentation index (AIx). Meta-analysis was based on a random effects model and inverse-variance methods to calculate either mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) as effects sizes. This was followed by meta-regression investigating the effect of baseline vitamin D concentrations, vitamin D dosing and study duration. Risk of bias was assessed using the JADAD scale and funnel plots.We identified 1056 studies of which 26 studies met inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Forty-two percent of the 2808 participants had either deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. FMD% (MD 1.17% (95% CI −0.20, 2.54), p = 0.095), PWV (SMD −0.09 m/s (95% CI −0.24, 0.07), p = 0.275) and AIx (SMD 0.05% (95% CI −0.1, 0.19), p = 0.52) showed no improvement with vitamin D supplementation. Sub-analysis and meta-regression revealed a tendency for AIx and FMD% to increase as weekly vitamin doses increased; no other significant relationships were identified. ConclusionsVitamin D supplementation showed no improvement in endothelial function. More evidence is required before recommendations for management of endothelial dysfunction can be made.

Vitamin D in autistic children and healthy controls.

Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been demonstrated by many authors as a risk factor for autistic patients, however, the causality has not been reliably elucidated. In the present study, levels of calcidiol were determined in group of autistic children and compared with age matched healthy children as controls. Suboptimal levels of calcidiol in more than 60 % of both autistic patients as well as of control group were found. No significant differences in vitamin D between autistic children and healthy controls were observed.

Serum Vitamin D Level in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Association with Sun Exposure: Experience from a Tertiary Care, Teaching Hospital in India

Background Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, has various extraskeletal effects, and several human and animal studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, such studies in the Indian subcontinent are either lacking or have shown conflicting results. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 121 patients with CAD from a tertiary care center and their 80 age-matched healthy controls. Serum vitamin D levels along with serum and urine chemistries were measured in both the groups. The average duration of sun exposure/day and use of sunscreen were also considered in the study cohort using a questionnaire. Serum vitamin D levels were categorized into deficient (<30 nmol/lit), insufficient (30–75 nmol/lit), and sufficient (>75 nmol/lit) groups. Results Among the cases, 51.2% of the patients were vitamin D deficient and 44.6% patients had insufficient vitamin D levels, whereas among controls, 40% and 31% of the population had deficient and insufficient levels of vitamin D, respectively. However, the mean value of the serum vitamin D level was not statistically different in the cases as compared to that of the controls (34.06 vs 40.19 nmol/lit) (P=0.08). Corrected serum calcium (9.26 vs 9.59 mg%) (P ≤ 0.0001) and serum albumin levels (4.21 vs 4.75 gm%) (P ≤ 0.0001) were lower in the cases than those of the controls. The average sun exposure/day was higher among the cases than that among the controls (2.93 vs 1.85 hours) (P=0.001). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in Indian population despite abundant sunshine, and the duration of sun exposure is not correlated with serum vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is not associated with CAD. However, serum calcium is deficient in CAD patients as compared to the controls. Large-scale studies are required to explore the association further to evaluate the benefits of screening and correction of vitamin D deficiency in patients with CAD.

Serum Vitamin D Levels and Alopecia Areata- A Hospital Based Case-Control Study from North-India.

Background:Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by hair loss and affects any hair-bearing area. Low levels of Vitamin D have been implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases. This study was conducted to assess the levels of Vitamin D in patients with AA and its correlation with severity, pattern, and extent of the disease.Materials and Methods:This hospital-based study included 135 cases with AA and 135 age- and sex-matched controls. AA cases were grouped according to the severity, pattern, and extent of the disease. The levels of Vitamin D were assessed and compared between cases and controls and among different groups of cases. The data were analyzed, and the correlation was derived.Results:The more number of patients from the case group had deficient and insufficient levels of Vitamin D as compared to controls, the difference being statistically significant (P = 0.01). A highly significant difference was found in mean Vitamin D levels between cases and controls (P = 0.0004). A negative correlation was found between Vitamin D levels and severity of AA as accessed by SALT score. A negative correlation was also found between Vitamin D levels with pattern and extent of the disease.Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency may be one of the factors having a role either in etiopathogenesis or exacerbation of AA. Supplementation of Vitamin D as a treatment modality may improve the clinical outcome of AA.

Effect of vitamin D treatment in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

In this research the symptom improvement of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) of children was assessed by oral vitamin D administration in Tabriz, Iran. In this double-blind, randomized clinical trials, 96 children (2-18years) were enrolled to placebo and vitamin D groups. Children took vitamin D pearl (50,000IU/week) or placebo for 6weeks. Children, who had the change in methylphenidate dosage and received any anticonvulsants and corticosteroids were excluded from the research. ADHD symptoms were diagnosed by Conners parent rating scale (CPRS) test at baseline and after intervention. ADHD Conners divided into inattention (IA), hyperactivity/impulsivity (H/I) and combination type (C) subscales. Vitamin D serum level was assessed at baseline and after 8weeks in both groups. The differences between CPRS and its subscales were not significant at baseline (P > 0.05). The Conners IA score was decreased in vitamin D group (P < 0.05; adjusted with age and baseline values). ADHD Conners and all subscale scores reduced remarkably after intervention in patients with insufficient level of vitamin D compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Oral vitamin D improved ADHD symptoms with a particular effect on inattention symptoms. In addition, symptoms related to all subscales were improved remarkably in patients with insufficient level of vitamin D. Vitamin D treatment in children with ADHD could be considered due to the expand benefit of vitamin D in body.

Abstract 386: Sex Differences in Vitamin D Alter Inflammation During Heart Disease

An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D (VitD). Considerable evidence indicates that VitD deficiency is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune and cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet it remains unclear whether low VitD is simply a biomarker or has a true pathologic role. In this study we examined how sex differences in VitD influences various CVDs. We found that patients with CVD had significantly lower VitD than healthy controls (no ICD9/10 codes). In myocarditis patients low VitD correlated to poor ejection fraction (EF) in women with myocarditis (p=0.02), but high VitD correlated with low EF in men (p=0.04). In VDR knockout mice we found that VDR decreased myocarditis in females (p=2E-8) but increased inflammation in males (p=0.03) with an increase in total immune cells (p=0.02), CD3, CD4 and CD8 T cells (p=0.04), and the inflammasome in females. VDR altered Treg (p=0.04), mast cells (p=0.04) and cytokine profiles in males. Additionally, sera VitD levels were significantly higher in WT male mice with myocarditis compared to females. Our findings in VDR mice indicate that VitD/VDR reduces myocarditis in females, but increases disease in males. These data suggest that VitD sufficiency may increase inflammation in men, while VitD deficiency may make disease worse in women. These findings suggest that Vitamin D may have a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and cardiovascular disease.

Correction of hypovitaminosis D improved global longitudinal strain earlier than left ventricular ejection fraction in cardiovascular older adults after orthopaedic surgery.

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases and insufficient levels of vitamin D are risk factors for adverse surgical outcomes, and they are both commonly present among older adults undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Giving the cardiovascular effects of vitamin D, pre-operative diagnosis of hypovitaminosis D would be a valuable step for the implementation of supplementation protocols. We investigated if the normalization of serum 25 [OH] D could ameliorate cardiac performance of older adults suffering from cardiovascular diseases.MethodsWe enrolled 47 older adults scheduled for major orthopaedic surgery and suffering from hypovitaminosis D. Patients underwent 6-months calcifediol supplementation with a starting dose at first post-operative day of 50 µg/die in liquid preparation. Down-titration to 20 µg/die at 3-months assessment was planned. Cardiac performance was evaluated by measuring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) during pre-operative assessments and at 1-month, 3-months, 6-months follow-ups.ResultsSix months of calcifediol supplementation were associated with a significant improvement of both LVEF (+ 3.94%; 95% CI: −4.0789 to −0.8232; P < 0.01) and GLS (+ 18.56%; Z = −5.895; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsCalcifediol supplementation normalized serum 25 [OH] D concentration after 1-month treatment. GLS offered better insights into myocardial contractile amelioration than LVEF, thus being useful for detecting earlier subclinical changes that may anticipate hemodynamic modifications.

Sex differences in Vitamin D alter inflammation during heart disease

Abstract An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D (VitD). Considerable evidence indicates that VitD deficiency is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune and cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet it remains unclear whether low VitD is simply a biomarker or has a true pathologic role. In this study we examined how sex differences in VitD influences various CVDs. We found that patients with CVD had significantly lower VitD than healthy controls (no ICD9/10 codes) (p=4E-6). In myocarditis patients low VitD correlated to poor ejection fraction (EF) in women with myocarditis (p=0.02), but high VitD correlated with low EF in men (p=0.04). In VDR knockout mice we found that VDR decreased myocarditis in females (p=2E-8) but increased inflammation in males (p=0.03) with an increase in total immune cells (p=0.02), CD3, CD4 and CD8 T cells (p=0.04), and the inflammasome in females. VDR altered Treg (p=0.04), mast cells (p=0.04) and cytokine profiles in males. Additionally, sera VitD levels were significantly higher in WT male mice with myocarditis compared to females. Our findings in VDR mice indicate that VitD/VDR reduces myocarditis in females, but increases disease in males. These data suggest that VitD sufficiency may increase inflammation in men, while VitD deficiency may make disease worse in women. These findings suggest that Vitamin D may have a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin D Status and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women.

ObjectivesTo investigate if vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and circulating vitamin D levels are associated with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs).MethodsIn this case-control study, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) serum levels were analyzed in 47 females with PFDs and 87 healthy females (controls), respectively. The VDR gene polymorphisms were determined by using polymerase chain reaction and performing digestions with 4 restriction enzymes i.e., ApaI, TaqI, FokI, and BsmI. Vitamin D levels of patients were divided into <20 ng/mL, 20 to 30 ng/mL, and ≥30 ng/mL categories.ResultsOur correlative analysis of VDR polymorphisms as a function of the presence of PFD showed that ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms were significantly associated with PFD in vitamin-D-deficiency and insufficiency groups (P < 0.05). Mean vitamin D levels did not differ between the PFD case (13.01 ± 0.84 ng/mL) and control (15.11 ± 1.04 ng/mL) groups (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the distribution of vitamin D levels between study group and controls using Pearson's χ2 test (<20 ng/mL, 20–30 ng/mL, and >30 ng/mL: 87.2%, 12.8%, and 0% in the study group and 75.9%, 16.1%, and 8.0% in controls, respectively, P < 0.05). Taken together, our observations suggest that vitamin D levels could be associated with PFDs and that 2 polymorphisms (i.e., ApaI and BsmI) in the VDR gene may contribute to an increased prevalence of PFDs in women with insufficient levels of vitamin D.ConclusionsExamining vitamin D levels and performing a VDR genotype analysis may be helpful for assessing PFD risk.

Risk factors generally neglected in oral surgery and implantology: the high LDL-cholesterol and the insufficient level of vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread throughout the world. Vitamin D has an important role in the regulation of phosphocalcic metabolism as well as in a large number of biological and metabolic processes. According to some studies, there is a correlation between vitamin D and LDL-cholesterol levels. A deficiency of vitamin D and / or a high level of LDL-cholesterol could represent risk factors for bone healing and osteointegration of dental implants. The purpose of our study is to demonstrate the reality of the problem of deficiency or deprivation in vitamin D in a population of patients requiring oral and / or implant surgery. 46 cases of patients having undergone oral surgery together with preoperative blood test were analyzed. The results of the dosages of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D), total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol were collected and compared with reference values. Statistical tests were performed to determine the possible correlations between the 25-OH-D level and other blood parameters. 38 patients out of 46 (82.6 %) are defective in vitamin D, and 7 patients out of 46 (15.2 %) are deficient. LDL-cholesterol levels were high in 15 patients out of 33 (45.5 %). There was a non-significant correlation between LDLcholesterol and vitamin D levels. Total cholesterol was high in 42 % of patients. We observed a significant correlation between total cholesterol and vitamin D levels. According to our study, it appears that a preoperative assessment including the dosage of vitamin D, total cholesterol and LDLcholesterol may be of interest in patients requiring oral and / or implant surgery by correcting if necessary blood parameters and promoting bone metabolism.

Vitamin D screening in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency for a variety of reasons. However, it is not routine practice to monitor vitamin D levels in these patients. In all patients, deficiency is most likely to be evident at the end of winter or early spring. This article describes a retrospective audit carried out to determine whether vitamin D serum levels had been measured in 100 randomly selected outpatients during late winter/early spring 2015, and then to identify the prevalence of deficiency in patients who had been screened. The main results showed that, overall, only 20% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 8% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) had a vitamin D result recorded. Of these, 80% of the patients with CD and 75% of the patients with UC had insufficient levels of vitamin D (&lt;20 ng/ml), compared with 47% of healthy controls shown in other studies. This audit shows that very few IBD patients had their vitamin-D levels measured; however. the prevalence of insufficiency was high.

Vitamin D in Pain Management.

Vitamin D is a hormone synthesized in the skin in the presence of sunlight. Like other hormones, vitamin D plays a role in a wide range of processes in the body. Here we review the possible role of vitamin D in nociceptive and inflammatory pain. In observational studies, low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased pain and higher opioid doses. Recent interventional studies have shown promising effects of vitamin D supplementation on cancer pain and muscular pain—but only in patients with insufficient levels of vitamin D when starting intervention. Possible mechanisms for vitamin D in pain management are the anti-inflammatory effects mediated by reduced cytokine and prostaglandin release and effects on T-cell responses. The recent finding of vitamin D-mediated inhibition of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is especially interesting and exhibits a credible mechanistic explanation. Having reviewed current literature, we suggest that patients with deficient levels defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels <30 nmol/L are most likely to benefit from supplementation, while individuals with 25-OHD >50 nmol/L probably have little benefit from supplementation. Our conclusion is that vitamin D may constitute a safe, simple and potentially beneficial way to reduce pain among patients with vitamin D deficiency, but that more randomized and placebo-controlled studies are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Evaluation of vitamin D levels in relation to coronary CT angiographic findings in an Iranian population

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency, as a predisposing factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), is a subject of increasing interest. However, its role as a risk factor has not been proven. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and CAD.Materials and methodsUsing a cross-sectional design, 180 patients who were candidates for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) were selected. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured and compared with the results of CCTA (including calcium score, and presence and severity of coronary artery involvement due to atherosclerotic plaques).ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 60.5±10.6 years and the mean serum vitamin D level was 26.2±15.9 ng/dL (range, 3.5–83.2 ng/dL). Overall, 6.1% of the participants (n=11) had vitamin D deficiency, 56.1% (n=101) had insufficient levels of vitamin D, and 37.8% (n=68) had sufficient levels of vitamin D. The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in patients with severe CAD (P=0.004). The serum vitamin D level in the “positive for CAD” group was 20.98 ng/mL, significantly lower than the level in the “negative for CAD” group (30.47 ng/mL; P<0.001). The mean calcium score among participants was 533.5±87.9. Based on the Spearman test, a significant negative correlation (−0.21) was detected between the serum vitamin D level and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) (P=0.005). Conversely, the mean CACS in the vitamin D deficient group was significantly higher than in the insufficient and sufficient vitamin D groups (P<0.001 for both comparisons).ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was associated with coronary artery calcification and severity of coronary artery stenosis in Iranian patients.