Viamin D levels in kidney dialysis patients
Researchers from Canada and the US looked for factors that might predict patients with kidney failure who are vitamin D deficient.
First, the details.
- 908 patients with known 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were studied.
- Factors that might predict the presence of a vitamin D deficiency were evaluated.
And, the results.
- 79% of the patients were vitamin D deficient (25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 30 ng/mL).
- Strongest predictors of vitamin D deficiency
- Black race
- Female sex
- Winter season
- Low albumin blood levels (hypoalbuminemia; blood albumin at least 3.1 g/dL)
- The presence of hypoalbuminemia along with dialysis started during the winter was associated with 100% vitamin D deficiency in black women and black men.
- In white women and men vitamin D deficiency was 94% and 92%, respectively.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is nearly universal among patients with hypoalbuminemia initiating chronic hemodialysis in winter.”
It’s not proven, say the authors, that correcting these factors will benefit these patients clinically.
3/1/10 18:58 JR