Vitamin D levels in post-menopausal Korean women with a distal radius fracture

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate serum levels of vitamin D in post-menopausal Korean women with a distal radius fracture (DRF) and to determine if there is any association between vitamin D levels and bone-related variables such as bone mineral densities (BMDs), serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and several bone turnover markers.Materials and methodsThe data of 104 postmenopausal women surgically treated for a distal radius fracture (DRF group) and 107 age-matched control patients without a fracture (control group) were compared. Serum vitamin D levels (25-hydroxycholecalciferol, 25(OH)D₃) were compared between the groups with consideration of age and seasonal variations. BMDs, serum PTH and several bone turnover markers, including serum osteocalcin, C-telopeptide and urine N-telopeptide, were measured and analysed to find any association with vitamin D levels.ResultsThe mean 25(OH)D₃ level was significantly lower in the DRF group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In particular, patients in their sixth and seventh deciles in the DRF group had significantly lower 25(OH)D₃ levels than patients in the control group (p = 0.001 and 0.013, respectively). When seasonal variation was considered, significant differences of 25(OH)D₃ levels were found between the groups in autumn and winter. Hip BMDs were significantly lower in the DRF group than in the control group, and there was a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D₃ levels and hip BMDs. Bone turnover markers were not significantly different between the two groups, although serum PTH levels were marginally higher in the DRF group (p = 0.08).ConclusionsPost-menopausal Korean women with a DRF were found to have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels than the control group, and vitamin D levels were particularly lower in women in their sixth and seventh deciles who may be a good target group for prevention of future fractures. Future investigation should focus on determining whether vitamin D supplementation can be helpful in preventing future fractures in patients with a DRF.