title: Diagnosis of disorders of vitamin D-metabolism and osteomalacia.
abstract: Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Germany because the synthesis of Vitamin D in the skin depends on exposure to radiation from sunlight (ultraviolet light type B). In Central Europe, vitamin D synthesis in skin is significantly diminished during the 6-month winter period. Whereas a slight lack of vitamin D (vitamin D insufficiency) results in osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass), a major lack of vitamin D (vitamin D deficiency) leads to osteomalacia, a mineralization defect of the bone. Before the skeletal consequences of vitamin D deficiency take place, neuromuscular functional disorders may already occur. An early diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency is important. In this respect, laboratory abnormalities are especially of great importance. For example, an increase in serum parathyroid hormone concentration is a very early sign. The presence of vitamin D deficiency can be proven by measuring the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. During the treatment of vitamin D deficiency with drugs consisting of vitamin D (vitamin D supplements), the measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is very useful for monitoring of therapy and follow up.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine and Endocrinology/Diabetes, Bad Reichenhall, Germany. Dr.Scharla@t-online.de
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scharla
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D