Are serum calcium and vitamin D levels effective in osteoporosis?

Abstract

Objective: Compare serum calcium and vitamin D levels of osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic patients. Material and method: The study included a total of 181 non-osteoporotic individuals and 94 osteoporotic patients over 50 years of age, post-menopausal, who referred to the gynecological clinic at our hospital and diagnosed with osteoporosis following a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) after their serum calcium and vitamin D levels were checked by laboratory analyses. Both groups were comprised of patients who did not receive any medication due to a chronic disease or osteoporosis. Descriptive statistics and graphs, as well as statistical analysis (Chi-Square Test, Independent Samples T-Test, One-Way ANOVA Test and Pearson's Correlation) were used in the study. These analyses were calculated at a 95% confidence level. SPSS 19.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Science) was used for analysis and calculation of descriptive statistics. Results: Both groups were compared individually in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), gravida, parity, abortion, curettage, age of menarche, age of menopause, duration of menopause, smoking and alcohol consumption, total lumbar T score, femoral neck T score, serum calcium and vitamin D. Demographic data and clinical features were statistically similar in both groups; however, total lumbar T score and femoral neck T score were significantly lower in the osteoporotic group. There was no significant association between age and osteoporosis. (χ²=3.381, p=0.184). There was no significant difference in vitamin D levels between age groups (F=0.552, p=0.576). The peer groups presented no significant difference in terms of calcium levels (F=0.716, p=0.490). There was no significant difference in vitamin D levels between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic groups as well (t=-0.83, p=0.934). The groups showed no significant difference in terms of calcium levels (t=0.587, p=0.564). No association was detected between the measured vitamin D and calcium levels (Pearson's Correlation: 0.049, p=0.416). Conclusion: We can use serum calcium and vitamin D levels together with other methods that provide information about whether patients have osteoporosis. In light of this information, we can begin prophylaxis or early treatment of osteoporosis, which is currently a common disease that leads to morbidity and mortality.

Keywords

• osteoporosis
• menopause
• calcium
• vitamin D

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