Vitamin D Often Depleted in Spine Surgery Patients

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Published 11/24/2011 - 8:09 a.m. CDT

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Medpagetoday.com REPORTS HERE "Low levels of vitamin D were "alarmingly high" in a series of patients scheduled for spinal fusion surgery at a major academic center, a finding that researchers said suggests the need presurgical assessment of vitamin D levels in patients being evaluated for spinal fusion."

"Among the 313 patients included in the study, 57% had inadequate vitamin D levels, defined as a blood level of less than 30 nanograms per milliliter, and more than half of that subset (27%) had vitamin D concentrations considered deficient -- less than 20 ng/mL...."

"It was alarming to see that so many patients have inadequate or deficient vitamin D levels, especially when vitamin D is so readily available and inexpensive."

"Four percent of the patients had severe deficiency, meaning vitamin D levels less than 10 ng/mL."

"The paper is the latest in a series of reports that have suggested vitamin D plays a key role in a number of conditions, ranging from cancer to heart disease, as well as more established bone health benefits."

"However, last November, the Institute of Medicine concluded that most Americans don't need to take large amounts of vitamin D or calcium to maintain bone health. It also said there was not sufficient evidence to support other claims about vitamin D supplementation and disease prevention."

"For bone health, most people need about 400 International Units a day, though those older than 70 may need as much as 800 IU daily, the institute said."

The report notes that "not think all back surgery patients need to have their vitamin D levels checked, but it probably is a good idea to check those who are at risk for having low levels. That would include people older than 55 and those with a history of smoking, obesity and diabetes."

The study author "said the idea of checking vitamin D levels of patients first occurred to him in 2008. A woman in her 40s who had undergone cervical fusion surgery and did not get an adequate fusion told him that she had been treated for a vitamin D deficiency. ... For the last year and a half, all patients undergoing fusion surgery at Washington University have their vitamin D levels checked. If they are deficient, they will be supplemented with a 50,000 IU prescription dose once a week for eight weeks before their surgery."

"The researchers said that while older adults are more likely to have low vitamin D levels, younger adults undergoing spine surgery should not be overlooked."

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