Low Vitamin D levels associated with poor rehabilitation outcomes after hip fracture: Study

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other biological effects.

A group of researchers from Israel conducted a study to report on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in post-acute hip fractured patients.

A retrospective study was conducted from September 2017 to September 2019 of 493 hip fractured patients. 25(OH)D levels were recorded following the patient's baseline characteristics and outcome measures, including the functional independence measure and motor functional independence measure effectiveness. The sample was divided into three groups: deficient (<30 nmol/l), insufficient (30–75 nmol/l) and sufficient (>75 nmol/l) 25(OH)D levels. ANOVA and chi-square test tests compared the groups. Multiple linear analysis assessed the associations between the 25(OH)D and discharge functional independence measure score.

The results of the study are as follows:

· 25(OH)D deficiency was found in 20.3% of the patients.

· The only baseline characteristic significantly associated with serum 25(OH)D levels was dementia.

· The group with deficient levels of 25(OH)D exhibited a significantly higher rate of low education, low admission albumin levels and a reduced handgrip strength compared to the insufficient/sufficient groups.

· All functional measure scores were significantly lower in the deficient (25(OH)D) group compared with the insufficient/sufficient patient groups. 25(OH)D levels were found to be significantly associated with the discharge functional independence measure score.

Thus, the researchers concluded that as 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D levels are associated with rehabilitation outcomes in post-acute hip fractured patients; routine screening for 25(OH)D levels is mandatory in post-acute hip fracture patients as it may affect rehabilitation outcomes.

Reference:

Vitamin D levels in post-acute hip fractured patients and their association with rehabilitation outcomes by Hershkovitza A et. al published in the Disability and Rehabilitation.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1971304