Hypovitaminosis D in institutionalized elders treated with anticonvulsants, a common association

Background: Elderly people have a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, especially when they are exposed to anticonvulsants. Objective : The present study evaluated the influence of chronic use of anticonvulsants on serum levels of vitamin D in institutionalized elders aged above 65 years. Methods: Eighteen elderly subjects treated with anticonvulsants were studied for at least 12 months and compared to 16 untreated elders. Results : Vitamin D defficiency was observed in both groups, but the group treated with anticonvulsants showed a more remarkable defficiency. Although there was no statistically significant difference in serum parathyroid hormone levels, elderly patients in treatment had a higher value (53.44 +/- 28.92 pg/ml) compared to untreated elders (38.5 +/- 10.8 pg/ml: p = 0.42). Statistically significant difference was observed between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in treated female patients (9.22 +/- 3.80 ng/ml) compared to untreated female patients (18.78 +/- 7.62 ng/ml: p = 0.03). Discussion : The observed defficiency in both groups suggests that elderly subjects have lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Compared to untreated elderly women, elderly women treated with anticonvulsants showed a significantly lower serum level of vitamin D.