Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a prospective observational study to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland, New Zealand.


METHODS
From July 21,2008, to August 7, 2008, all new patients presenting to otolaryngology clinics at which one of the authors (D.R.) was present had their vitamin D status assessed by measurement of their plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level.


RESULTS
Of 48 patients, 2% had 25(OH)D levels of 17.5 nmol/L or less (a level associated with osteomalacia), 58% had 25(OH)D levels of 50 nmol/L or less (a level associated with vitamin D deficiency), and 100% had 25(OH)D levels of 80 nmol/L or less.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland are vitamin D-deficient. It is unclear whether low vitamin D levels are associated more directly with otolaryngological disorders or skin type, because the small size of this study and the broad range of conditions seen precluded a meaningful statistical analysis. Further research into the relationship of vitamin D to specific otolaryngological presentations is required.
Bartley
Jim
J
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Counties Manukau District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand. jbartley@ihug.co.nz
Reid
David
D
Morton
Randall P
RP
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010036:Otolaryngology; D015995:Prevalence; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology