Vitamin D supply of patients with hip fracture

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is an important risk factor for fractures. However, there are few data available only on the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and recovery after surgery for hip fracture. Aim: The authors investigate the vitamin D supply of patients with hip fractures. Method: Between February and September 2013, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were determined in 203 patients with hip fracture (74.8 +/- 11.5 ys; 67 men and 136 women) and in 74 control subjects. Results: Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism occurred significantly more frequently in patients with hip fracture than in control subjects (72% vs. 45%, and 33% vs. 17%, respectively). Patients with better condition after surgery showed higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (p<0.001) than those with poor condition. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were lower in the 31 patients who died [median of survival time: 19 (5-52) days] compared to those who survived [22.6 (9.5-45.0) vs. 33.0 (16.5-56.6) nmol/l]. Conclusions: The association between vitamin-D deficiency and mortality as well as the positive correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and better postoperative condition confirm the importance of proper vitamin D supply in the prevention and cure of hip fractures, what is more in the increase of the chance of survival.