Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in a minimal trauma fracture population

Objective: The purpose of this analysis was to report the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in a population of adults with minimal trauma fractures. Research Design and Methods: 82 adults (ages 52-97 with 63% age 80+) consecutively hospitalized with hip and extremity fractures between August 2001 and January 2002 were recruited from two St. Paul, MN hospitals. Patients came from independent living and assisted living facilities. Demographics, medical history and vitamin D supplementation were obtained by the medical record and self-report. Blood specimens were collected during hospitalization within 48 hours of admission. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were assessed using Diasorin 25-hydroxyvitamin D radioimmunoassay kit (RIA) at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Results were available for 78 patients and are included in the current analysis. Results: Patients were 99% Caucasian, 63% >= 80 years and 78% female. 97% were admitted due to hip fracture. On admission, 50% reported using at least 400 IU per day of vitamin D through supplements (including multivitamins) and 13% of all patients were taking osteoporosis medication (3 estrogen, 5 alendronate, 1 etidronate, 1 raloxifene). The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 14.2 (SD 6.6) with a range of 5-39 ng/mL (8-38 ng/mL wintertime vales in Rochester, MN). All but two of the 78 patients (97.4%) had 25(OH)D concentrations <30 ng/mL and the majority (81%) of the patients had 25(OH)D concentrations <20 ng/mL, including 21% <9 ng/mL. Mean 25(OH)D concentrations were not substantially different by gender, age, or osteoporosis medication use. Patients who reported vitamin D supplementation >= 400 IU/day had significantly greater mean 25(OH)D concentrations, albeit suboptimal, compared to those who did not (16.4 vs. 13.7 ng/mL; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Nearly all patients in this study hospitalized for fracture had vitamin D inadequacy. Significant opportunity exists to ensure adequate and persistent vitamin D intake in a high risk fracture patient population.