Endocrine Abstracts

Low concentrations of vitamin D leads to secondary hiperparathyroidism, bone loss, and an increase of osteoporotic fractures in populations at risk. Adequate vitamin D and calcium intake is considered an essential component of postmenopausal osteoporosis management. Several epidemiological studies have assessed the prevalence of low serum vitamin D concentrations, indicating that vitamin D inadequacy (<30 ng/ml) is a problem world-wide.

Aims: To evaluate vitamin D inadequacy in patients who are screened for osteoporosis, and in postmenopausal osteoporotic women after one year of treatment.

Patients and methods: In 126 postmenopausal women (mean age 63±7 years) who were evaluated for osteoporosis at the Bone Metabolic Unit we determined: BMD by DXA (Hologic QDR 4500 w) at lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip, bone turnover markers, PTH and 25(OH) vitamin D. 76% of the women were diagnosed of osteoporosis (T-score –2.5 S.D.) and started treatment with antirresoptives, calcium and vitamin D (1200 mg and 800 UI daily).

Results: At baseline 90% of the women had serum levels of 25 (OH) vitamin D less than 30 ng/ml, and 42% less than 15 ng/ml. There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and age. After one year of treatment, serum 25(OH) vitamin D was less than 30 ng/ml in 68% of patients, and less than 15 ng/ml in 12%. There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and BMD changes after treatment.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy among women screened for osteoporosis. A significative percentage of osteoporotic patients treated during one year including calcium and vitamin D supplementation remains with inadequate levels of serum vitamin D.