Influence of Season, Ethnicity, and Chronicity on Vitamin D Deficiency in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

J Spinal Cord Med, 2010 · DOI: · Published: June 1, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Nutrition & Dietetics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates vitamin D levels in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), exploring how these levels vary based on the time since injury (acute vs. chronic), the season (summer vs. winter), and the ethnicity (White vs. African American) of the patients. The research aims to understand the factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in SCI patients and highlights the importance of monitoring and managing vitamin D levels to prevent complications like osteoporosis. The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency is common among SCI patients, particularly in those with chronic injuries, during the winter months, and among African Americans. These results emphasize the need for routine screening and supplementation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

96 patients aged 19 to 55 years with C3-T10 motor complete SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are common in both acute and chronic SCI patients, with higher rates observed in chronic SCI.
2
Lower vitamin D levels were observed in African Americans compared to whites with SCI.
3
Significant main effects were noted for season, chronicity, and ethnicity on vitamin D levels, but no significant interactions between these factors were found.

Research Summary

The study evaluated vitamin D levels in acute and chronic SCI patients, considering seasonal and ethnic differences. Results indicated widespread vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, particularly in chronic SCI and among African Americans. Season, chronicity, and ethnicity all had significant main effects on vitamin D levels, with winter, chronic SCI, and African American ethnicity associated with lower levels. No significant interactions between these factors were identified. The authors recommend early and periodic screening for vitamin D levels in SCI patients to prevent complications such as osteoporosis and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Practical Implications

Early Screening

Initial screening for serum vitamin D25(OH) levels should be performed early in rehabilitation.

Periodic Monitoring

Periodic monitoring in the chronic setting is highly recommended to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

Targeted Supplementation

Supplementation strategies should consider seasonal variations, ethnicity, and time since injury to address specific risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small number of subjects and by problems inherent in assays for vitamin D
2
Limitations of recall bias should be noted for correlation of time spent outdoors with serum vitamin D levels.
3
Premise that patients were at the minimum therapeutic vitamin D levels at the time of their injuries in the acute cohort.

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