The Prevalence of Low Vitamin D3 Levels in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Its Relationship with Different Patient Parameters

Objective:  To determine the prevalence of low vitamin D3 levels in patients having proven lumbar disc herniation and its relationship with different patient parameters. Materials and Methods:  This is a prospective study carried out on 100 patients at the Neurosurgery department, Jinnah postgraduate medical center from Feb 2018 to April 2019. Serum Vitamin D levels and other characteristics were assessed in patients with prolapsed lumbar intervertebral discs. Low levels of Vitamin D were defined as insufficiency (10 ng/ml – 30 ng/ml) and deficiency (< 10 ng/ml). Results:  Out of 100 patients in the study, only 21% had optimal serum vitamin D3 levels, and 79% had hypovitaminosis (57% insufficient and 22% deficiency). Low vitamin D levels were prevalent in all age groups, with deficiency more prevalent in the older age group (p-value = 0.004). The BMI (body mass index) of the patients showed a linear correlation with vitamin D levels. Conclusion:  Decreased vitamin D levels are prevalent in patients having herniated lumbar discs. The study showed that older-aged patients and high BMI exhibited severe vitamin D deficiency. As a result, recommendations are that preventive initiative for this specific hypovitaminosis target a broader population to intercept the occurrence of low vitamin D levels and the associated repercussions.