25(OH) vitamin D: Serum levels and related factors in hemodialysis patients

Background and Objective: Advanced chronic renal failure leads to changes in calcium metabolism that cause disturbances in the parathyroid, vascular system, and bones. The 25(OH) Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating calcium metabolism and preventing these complications. The objective of this study was to determine 25(OH) Vitamin D levels in dialysis patients and to relate to clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The data collection was given by interview and consultation in electronic records, and the dosage of 25(OH) Vitamin D was performed on heparinized plasma samples collected at the beginning of the dialysis session. Results: Of the 77 patients studied, noted that seven (9.1%) showed poor values of 25(OH) Vitamin D and 19 (24.7%) showed insufficient values. As for the presence of comorbidities, 31 (40.3%) reported having diabetes mellitus, and 54 (70.1%) reported having arterial hypertension. It was also observed that the serum levels of 25(OH) Vitamin D are inferior in the carriers of diabetes mellitus and decrease with the increase of age and with the elevation of serum creatinine. The use of Vitamin D supplements presented positive correlation with serum calcium levels. Conclusion: The insufficiency of 25(OH) Vitamin D is frequent in dialysis patients especially in the carriers of diabetes mellitus.