ABSTRACT
Background:
Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vitamin D deficiency in IBD patients with ileostomy has not been systemically studied. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and risk factors associated with low 25(OH) D3 levels in those patients.
Methods:
112 eligible IBD patients with ileostomy were studied. Demographic, clinical, and endoscopic variables were analyzed. Vitamin D levels before and after ileostomy were compared when available. Levels of serum 25(OH)D3 <20 ng/mL were classed as being deficient.
Results:
112 eligible ileostomy patients were included. The mean vitamin D level was 21.47 ± 1.08 ng/dl. Low levels of vitamin D (<30 ng/dl) were present in 92 patients (82%). Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/dL) was seen in 55 patients (49%). There was no difference between patients with or without vitamin D deficiency regarding demographic variables, medication use and duration of ileostomy. Neo-ileal inflammation on endoscopy was not associated with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.155). Lower levels of phosphorus (p = 0.020) or hemoglobin (p = 0.019) and shorter duration of IBD (p = 0.047) were found in patients with vitamin D deficiency. In multivariate analysis, lower levels of phosphorus (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.89, p = 0.009) and hemoglobin (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08-1.60, p = 0.006) remained significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Conclusion:
Vitamin D deficiency is common in IBD patients with ileostomy and is associated with low hemoglobin levels. Further studies are needed to evaluate vitamin D supplementation as a possible adjuvant in the treatment of anemia of chronic disease in IBD patients.
Keywords:
Anemia; Ileostomy; Vitamin D deficiency
