Severe vitamin D deficiency in Auckland.
OBJECTIVE
To study the presentation of severe vitamin D deficiency in Auckland and to determine if appropriate therapy was given.


METHODS
Retrospective review of records of patients with very low plasma 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (< or = 12.5 nmol/L or 5 micrograms/L).


RESULTS
Fifty cases were identified over a two year period. 28 subjects had recognised risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (such as gastrointestinal disease or greatly reduced food intake). The majority of the other 22 subjects were elderly residents of rest homes or private hospitals. Low body weight and reduced mobility were common features of both groups. Increased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and hypocalcaemia were the most frequent biochemical findings. Appropriate treatment with high dose calciferol had been given to only 28% of the subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe vitamin D deficiency does occur in Auckland despite its low latitude. Low body weight, reduced mobility and lack of sun exposure are particular risk factors. Appropriate therapy is cheap, safe and effective but many patients with severe vitamin D deficiency are being managed suboptimally.
McGrath
N
N
Department of Endocrinology, Auckland Hospital.
Singh
V
V
Cundy
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000855:Anorexia / Q000150:complications; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004872:Ergocalciferols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010710:Phosphates / Q000097:blood; D044469:Racial Groups; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology
D004872:Ergocalciferols; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D010710:Phosphates; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D002117:Calcitriol