Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Patients Attending a General Otolaryngology Clinic in South Auckland

Abstract

Objectives:

We performed a prospective observational study to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland, New Zealand.

Methods:

From July 21, 2008, to August 7, 2008, all new patients presenting to otolaryngology clinics at which one of the authors (D.R.) was present had their vitamin D status assessed by measurement of their plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level.

Results:

Of 48 patients, 2% had 25(OH)D levels of 17.5 nmol/L or less (a level associated with osteomalacia), 58% had 25(OH)D levels of 50 nmol/L or less (a level associated with vitamin D deficiency), and 100% had 25(OH)D levels of 80 nmol/L or less.

Conclusions:

Most of the patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland are vitamin D–deficient. It is unclear whether low vitamin D levels are associated more directly with otolaryngological disorders or skin type, because the small size of this study and the broad range of conditions seen precluded a meaningful statistical analysis. Further research into the relationship of vitamin D to specific otolaryngological presentations is required.