Background: This study examined the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with postoperative medical complications and one year mortality of elderly patients sustaining a low-energy cervical hip fracture scheduled for surgery. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency and CRP in these patients might be associated with an increased 1-year mortality. Methods: The prospective single-center cohort study included 209 patients with a low-energy medial femoral neck fracture; 164 women aged over 50 years and 45 men aged over 60 years. Referring to 1-year mortality and postoperative medical complications multiple logistic regression analysis including 10 co-variables (age, sex, BMI, ASA, creatinine, CRP, leukocytes hemoglobin, 25(OH)D, vitamin D supplementation at follow-up) was performed. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in 87 % of all patients. In patients with severe (<10 ng/ml) and moderate (10–20 ng/ml) vitamin D deficiency one year mortality was 29 % and 13 %, respectively, compared to 9 % in patients with > 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D levels (p =0.027). Patients with a mild (CRP 10–39.9 mg/l) or active inflammatory response (CRP ≥ 40 mg/l) showed a higher one year mortality of 33 % and 40 % compared to 16 % in patients with no (CRP < 10 mg/l) inflammatory response (p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified CRP (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00- 1.02; p = 0.007), but not 25(OH)D (OR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.89-1.05; p = 0.425) as an independent predictor for one year mortality. 20 % of patients suffered in-hospital postoperative medical complications (i.e. pneumonia, thromboembolic events, etc.). 25(OH)D (OR 0.89, 95 % CI 0.81–0.97; p = 0.010), but not CRP (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00-1.02; p = 0.139), was identified as an independent risk factor. Conclusion: In elderly patients with low-energy cervical hip fracture, 25(OH)D is independently associated with postoperative medical complications and CRP is an independent predictor of one year mortality.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient in the human diet. A unique property of vitamin D is that it can be produced by endogenous synthesis in the skin following sufficient Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. In fact, our understanding of this compound has changed, such that it is no longer consider a true vitamin, but rather a steroid hormone. De-identified data for this analysis were derived from women residing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia who completed routine medical visits in the summer of 2009 at King Fahad Hospital (KFH). In Chapter 1,“THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D STATUS IN NORMAL WEIGHT VERSUS OBESE WOMEN RESIDING IN WESTERN SAUDI ARABIA” we evaluate the relationship between body size and serum 25(OH)D concentrations including the association between change in body size during adulthood and vitamin D status. This study examines whether the current weight and weight change since age 18 years are associated with vitamin D status. This study found that neither current weight nor adult weight gain were associated with vitamin D status in Saudi Arabian women. In chapter 2,“IS AVOIDING SUN EXPOSURE VIA SUN PROTECTION PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH LOW VITAMIN D STATUS IN SAUDI ARABIAN WOMEN?” we investigate whether women who avoid UV exposure have lower 25(OH)D concentrations than women who do not avoid exposure. UV exposure was defined by time in outdoor activities, use of protective clothing and sunscreen. This study demonstrated that avoiding UV exposure via indoor activity and the use of sunscreen or/and wearing protective clothing was not associated with vitamin D status. Chapter 3, “VITAMIN D STATUS AND BREAST CANCER IN SAUDI ARABIAN WOMEN: A CASE CONTROL STUDY” we examine if vitamin D status as assessed by serum concentrations of 25(OH)D would be lower in breast cancer cases as compared to controls. This study demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between higher serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and lower risk of breast cancer. Chapter 4, “IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS” is presented a summary of key findings from the three studies in this dissertation to determine avenues of further research. The appendices consist of materials related to the dissertation work.

Vitamin D plays an important role in over-all health. Few data exist on vitamin D deficiency related with intake for a Canadian population. The purpose of this study is to assess vitamin D intake and status in healthy young adults of diverse ancestry during the wintertime.<p> One hundred and seven young healthy adults living in Southern Ontario were recruited during the late winter of 2007. Their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], skin melanin and anthropometric measures were determined. They completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (twice) and a 7-day food diary. Correlation analyses and t-test were used to validate the FFQ against the 7-day diary and 25(OH)D; one way ANOVA was used to determine ethnic group differences in vitamin D intake and status.<p> The results indicated that the FFQ used in this study was valid. Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D<50 nmol/L] was widespread and more apparent in the East and South Asian groups than in the European group (P<0.05). The dairy products were the greatest food source of vitamin D for each of the three groups and the European group exhibited higher total vitamin D intake (P<0.05). There was a trend for the European group to have higher consumption of dairy products, especially cow¡¯s milk (0.05<P<0.10). Combining subjects in the three ethnic groups, vitamin D intake but not BMI was closely related with serum 25(OH)D concentrations (r= 0.520, P<0.001; r=-0.018, P>0.05, respectively). The 25(OH)D levels were inversely related with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (r= -0.273, P= 0.009). With adequate calcium intake (¡Ý1000 mg/d), PTH levels were significantly lower when vitamin D was not deficient (P<0.05).<p> This study provides evidence that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in healthy young adults living in Canada during wintertime, and non-European groups have a higher prevalence of this deficiency. Vitamin D intake varies with ethnicity, and dietary intake plays an important role in maintenance of serum vitamin D in wintertime. Compared with calcium intake, serum vitamin D levels may be a more important factor suppressing PTH levels.

Background: Contribution of dietary sources to vitamin D status is not clearly known. Some studies have shown that dietary intake of certain vitamin D rich foods had a significant positive influence on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, whereas other studies have shown no effect. Although sunlight exposure is a major source of circulating serum 25(OH)D, children and adolescents have been advised on the dangers of sun exposure. Diet may therefore be an important contributor of circulating serum 25(OH)D in absence of or reduced sunlight exposure. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with any specific dietary patterns in US children and adolescents using assay-adjusted serum 25(OH)D data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. Methods: Data from 2 cycles of the NHANES 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 for individuals aged 2 to ≤19 y, were used to study the association between dietary patterns and serum 25(OH)D. Dietary patterns were established using factor analysis based on food-frequency questionnaire data. Eigenvalues and Scree plot were used to derive 2 major principal factors. They were labeled as High Fat Low Vegetable (HFLV) and Prudent dietary patterns. Results: Serum 25(OH)D was significantly lower in HFLV dietary pattern group compared to Prudent dietary pattern group (25.1 vs 27.0 ng/mL; P=0.001). The highest serum 25(OH)D concentrations for all subjects were in the low-intake HFLV group or medium and high-intake Prudent groups (P=0.003 and P=0.012, respectively). In multivariate adjusted analysis, children with higher Prudent dietary contribution scores to overall diet showed a significant positive relation with serum 25(OH)D (β=62.01, P=0.016). When data were stratified by sex, a significant positive relation was observed in girls who consumed the Prudent diet (β=86.34, P=0.014) and a significant negative relation was observed in girls who consumed the HFLV diet (β=-84.32, P=0.022). Conclusion: Overall, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with Prudent dietary pattern but not with HFLV dietary pattern in US children and adolescents. When stratified by sex, the relation between dietary patterns and serum 25(OH)D was confined to only girls. Children consuming HFLV pattern diet may benefit from vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure (outdoor activities), and should be encouraged to consume more vitamin D fortified foods.

Vitamin D plays an important role in over-all health. Few data exist on vitamin D deficiency related with intake for a Canadian population. The purpose of this study is to assess vitamin D intake and status in healthy young adults of diverse ancestry during the wintertime.<p> One hundred and seven young healthy adults living in Southern Ontario were recruited during the late winter of 2007. Their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], skin melanin and anthropometric measures were determined. They completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (twice) and a 7-day food diary. Correlation analyses and t-test were used to validate the FFQ against the 7-day diary and 25(OH)D; one way ANOVA was used to determine ethnic group differences in vitamin D intake and status.<p> The results indicated that the FFQ used in this study was valid. Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D<50 nmol/L] was widespread and more apparent in the East and South Asian groups than in the European group (P<0.05). The dairy products were the greatest food source of vitamin D for each of the three groups and the European group exhibited higher total vitamin D intake (P<0.05). There was a trend for the European group to have higher consumption of dairy products, especially cow¡¯s milk (0.05<P<0.10). Combining subjects in the three ethnic groups, vitamin D intake but not BMI was closely related with serum 25(OH)D concentrations (r= 0.520, P<0.001; r=-0.018, P>0.05, respectively). The 25(OH)D levels were inversely related with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (r= -0.273, P= 0.009). With adequate calcium intake (¡Ý1000 mg/d), PTH levels were significantly lower when vitamin D was not deficient (P<0.05).<p> This study provides evidence that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in healthy young adults living in Canada during wintertime, and non-European groups have a higher prevalence of this deficiency. Vitamin D intake varies with ethnicity, and dietary intake plays an important role in maintenance of serum vitamin D in wintertime. Compared with calcium intake, serum vitamin D levels may be a more important factor suppressing PTH levels.

No description available.

Background: Contribution of dietary sources to vitamin D status is not clearly known. Some studies have shown that dietary intake of certain vitamin D rich foods had a significant positive influence on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, whereas other studies have shown no effect. Although sunlight exposure is a major source of circulating serum 25(OH)D, children and adolescents have been advised on the dangers of sun exposure. Diet may therefore be an important contributor of circulating serum 25(OH)D in absence of or reduced sunlight exposure. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with any specific dietary patterns in US children and adolescents using assay-adjusted serum 25(OH)D data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. Methods: Data from 2 cycles of the NHANES 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 for individuals aged 2 to ≤19 y, were used to study the association between dietary patterns and serum 25(OH)D. Dietary patterns were established using factor analysis based on food-frequency questionnaire data. Eigenvalues and Scree plot were used to derive 2 major principal factors. They were labeled as High Fat Low Vegetable (HFLV) and Prudent dietary patterns. Results: Serum 25(OH)D was significantly lower in HFLV dietary pattern group compared to Prudent dietary pattern group (25.1 vs 27.0 ng/mL; P=0.001). The highest serum 25(OH)D concentrations for all subjects were in the low-intake HFLV group or medium and high-intake Prudent groups (P=0.003 and P=0.012, respectively). In multivariate adjusted analysis, children with higher Prudent dietary contribution scores to overall diet showed a significant positive relation with serum 25(OH)D (β=62.01, P=0.016). When data were stratified by sex, a significant positive relation was observed in girls who consumed the Prudent diet (β=86.34, P=0.014) and a significant negative relation was observed in girls who consumed the HFLV diet (β=-84.32, P=0.022). Conclusion: Overall, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with Prudent dietary pattern but not with HFLV dietary pattern in US children and adolescents. When stratified by sex, the relation between dietary patterns and serum 25(OH)D was confined to only girls. Children consuming HFLV pattern diet may benefit from vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure (outdoor activities), and should be encouraged to consume more vitamin D fortified foods.

60 % of Canadians have suboptimal vitamin D (<75 nmol/L) and 25% are obese. Obesity has been reported to be a risk factor for low vitamin D, but there is uncertainty about the magnitude of the association. Linear regression was performed using data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007-2009). Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and vitamin D levels were directly measured. There were 5298 participants aged 6 to 79 years. Using a conservative p value of 0.001, body mass index (BMI) category obese / obese I was positively associated and WC was inversely associated with vitamin D level in crude analysis. WC was inversely associated with vitamin D level in multivariate analysis. The pattern of relationship is not the same as other studies, yet this was a large study with direct measurements. There may be issues with linearity of relationships or subgroups disturbing the relationship.

Introdução: Portadores de fibrose cística têm uma susceptibilidade à deficiência de vitamina D devido à má absorção de nutrientes. Os estudos da prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes com fibrose cística apresentam resultados extremamente variáveis e não há dados a respeito da população não pediátrica no Brasil. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes não pediátricos portadores de fibrose cística e os fatores associados com as concentrações séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina D. Metodologia: Realizado estudo transversal. A população em estudo foi composta por pacientes maiores que 16 anos acompanhados no Ambulatório de Fibrose Cística do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Foi avaliada a prevalência de deficiência de vitamina D, definida como 25-hidroxivitamina D < 30ng/mL, de acordo com a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, bem como os fatores clínicos e laboratoriais associados com o valor sérico desta. Foram avaliados o estado nutricional e internações hospitalares. Foi realizada coleta de dados em prontuário, entrevista com os pacientes e colheita de sangue. As análises laboratoriais foram realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do Hospital. Foram dosados os valores séricos de proteína C-reativa, cálcio, fosfato, magnésio, albumina, 25-hidroxivitamina D (método: quimiluminescência) e paratormônio (método: imunoensaio para PTH intacto). A função pulmonar foi avaliada por espirometria e escores clínicos e radiológicos. O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido como P<0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de hipovitaminose D foi de 61,0%, com valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D de 28,42±10,94 ng/mL. Os pacientes com insuficiência pancreática apresentaram uma tendência a ter concentrações mais altas de vitamina D. Dezesseis pacientes apresentavam doença pulmonar grave, com FEV1% do predito inferior a 40%. Após análise multivariada, índice de massa corporal e hospitalizações no último mês permaneceram significativamente associados negativamente aos valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D. Conclusões: A prevalência de hipovitaminose D no presente estudo foi inferior a previamente relatada. A insuficiência de vitamina D continua sendo um problema nos pacientes com fibrose cística, mesmo naqueles recebendo suplementação. / Introduction: Cystic fibrosis patients have a susceptibility to vitamin D deficiency due to nutrient malabsorption. Prevalence studies of hypovitaminosis D in patients with cystic fibrosis have highly variable results and there is no data about the non pediatric population in Brazil. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in non pediactric cystic fibrosis patients and the factors associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study population was composed of patients older than 16 years accompanied in the Cystic Fibrosis Ambulatory of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. We evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/mL, as suggested recently by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and clinical and laboratory factors associated with its serum levels. Nutritional status and hospital admissions were evaluated. Data was collected from medical records and interviews with patient, blood was collected. Laboratory analisys were performed at Clinical Pathology Laboratory of the Hospital. Serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (method: chemiluminescence), and parathyroid hormone levels (method: sandwich immunoassay to intact PTH) were measured. Lung function was evaluated by spirometry and clinical and chest radiographic scores were assessed. Statistical significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 61.0 %, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of 28,42±10,94 ng/mL. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had a trend to have higher vitamin D levels. Sixteen patients had severe lung disease with FEV1% predicted below 40%. After multivariable analysis, body mass index and hospitalization in the last month remained significantly associated negatively with serum 25-hydroxivitamin D levels. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the present study was inferior to previously related. Vitamin D insufficiency is still a problem in cystic fibrosis patients, even in those receiving supplementation.

Introdução: Portadores de fibrose cística têm uma susceptibilidade à deficiência de vitamina D devido à má absorção de nutrientes. Os estudos da prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes com fibrose cística apresentam resultados extremamente variáveis e não há dados a respeito da população não pediátrica no Brasil. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes não pediátricos portadores de fibrose cística e os fatores associados com as concentrações séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina D. Metodologia: Realizado estudo transversal. A população em estudo foi composta por pacientes maiores que 16 anos acompanhados no Ambulatório de Fibrose Cística do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Foi avaliada a prevalência de deficiência de vitamina D, definida como 25-hidroxivitamina D < 30ng/mL, de acordo com a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, bem como os fatores clínicos e laboratoriais associados com o valor sérico desta. Foram avaliados o estado nutricional e internações hospitalares. Foi realizada coleta de dados em prontuário, entrevista com os pacientes e colheita de sangue. As análises laboratoriais foram realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do Hospital. Foram dosados os valores séricos de proteína C-reativa, cálcio, fosfato, magnésio, albumina, 25-hidroxivitamina D (método: quimiluminescência) e paratormônio (método: imunoensaio para PTH intacto). A função pulmonar foi avaliada por espirometria e escores clínicos e radiológicos. O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido como P<0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de hipovitaminose D foi de 61,0%, com valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D de 28,42±10,94 ng/mL. Os pacientes com insuficiência pancreática apresentaram uma tendência a ter concentrações mais altas de vitamina D. Dezesseis pacientes apresentavam doença pulmonar grave, com FEV1% do predito inferior a 40%. Após análise multivariada, índice de massa corporal e hospitalizações no último mês permaneceram significativamente associados negativamente aos valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D. Conclusões: A prevalência de hipovitaminose D no presente estudo foi inferior a previamente relatada. A insuficiência de vitamina D continua sendo um problema nos pacientes com fibrose cística, mesmo naqueles recebendo suplementação. / Introduction: Cystic fibrosis patients have a susceptibility to vitamin D deficiency due to nutrient malabsorption. Prevalence studies of hypovitaminosis D in patients with cystic fibrosis have highly variable results and there is no data about the non pediatric population in Brazil. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in non pediactric cystic fibrosis patients and the factors associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study population was composed of patients older than 16 years accompanied in the Cystic Fibrosis Ambulatory of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. We evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/mL, as suggested recently by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and clinical and laboratory factors associated with its serum levels. Nutritional status and hospital admissions were evaluated. Data was collected from medical records and interviews with patient, blood was collected. Laboratory analisys were performed at Clinical Pathology Laboratory of the Hospital. Serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (method: chemiluminescence), and parathyroid hormone levels (method: sandwich immunoassay to intact PTH) were measured. Lung function was evaluated by spirometry and clinical and chest radiographic scores were assessed. Statistical significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 61.0 %, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of 28,42±10,94 ng/mL. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had a trend to have higher vitamin D levels. Sixteen patients had severe lung disease with FEV1% predicted below 40%. After multivariable analysis, body mass index and hospitalization in the last month remained significantly associated negatively with serum 25-hydroxivitamin D levels. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the present study was inferior to previously related. Vitamin D insufficiency is still a problem in cystic fibrosis patients, even in those receiving supplementation.