PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH FRACTURES IN A TERTIARY CARE SETUP OF ASSAM: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and increase risk of fracture. We tried to determine prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in elderly population of Northeast India presenting with fracture and formulate some preventive measures especially in elderly patients. Elderly patients, more than 60 yrs of age, presenting with some sort of fractures, were subjected to predetermined Questionnaire and response was noted. Estimation of serum Vitamin D3 levels and serum calcium were done. A total of 60 patients were evaluated, 36 females and 24 males. In the present study 51.66% patients had Vitamin D deficiency, and 30% patients had Vitamin D insufficiency. A total of 81.66% patients (49) had deficient or insufficient Vitamin D levels in their blood and the result was significant. Most patients had fracture distal end radius, followed by vertebral fractures, fracture neck femur and inter trochanteric fractures. From this study, it can be concluded that Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in elderly patients with fracture in our region. Timely diagnosis and supplementation of Vitamin D can go a long way in preventing these fractures.