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Erschienen in:
01.11.2013 | Original Article
Before and after hip fracture, vitamin D deficiency may not be treated sufficiently
Erschienen in: Osteoporosis International | Ausgabe 11/2013
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Summary
Our findings show that only about 20 % of seniors receive vitamin D supplementation prior to their index hip fracture or after the event. We further confirm the high prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency in this population and show that those who receive supplementation have significantly higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status.
Introduction
The aim of this study is to assess current practice in pre- and post-hip fracture care practice with respect to vitamin D supplementation.
Methods
We surveyed 1,090 acute hip fracture patients age 65 and older admitted to acute care for hip fracture repair; 844 had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels measured upon admission to acute care, and 362 agreed to be followed at 12 month after their hip fracture. Prevalence of vitamin D supplementation was assessed upon admission to acute care (at the time of hip fracture), upon discharge from acute care, and at 6 and 12 months follow-up.
Results
Of 1,090 acute hip fracture patients (mean age 85 years, 78 % women, 59 % community-dwelling), 19 % had received any dose of vitamin D prior to the index hip fracture, 27 % (of 854 assessed) at discharge from acute care, 22 % (of 321 assessed) at 6 month, and 21 % (of 285 assessed) at 12 month after their hip fracture. At the time of fracture, 45 % had 25(OH)D levels below 10 ng/ml, 81 % had levels below 20 ng/ml, and 96 % had levels below 30 ng/ml. Notably, 25(OH)D levels did not differ by season or gender but were significantly higher among 164 hip fracture patients, with any vitamin D supplementation compared with 680 without supplementation (19.9 versus 10.8 ng/ml; p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Only about 20 % of seniors receive vitamin D at the time of their fracture and after the event. This is despite the documented 81 % prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Interdisciplinary efforts may be warranted to improve vitamin D supplementation in seniors both before a hip fracture occurs and after.