Frequency of hypovitaminosis d in patients with uveitis presenting at a tertiary care hospital in a low-middle-income country

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of hypovitaminosis D in patients with uveitis, and to analyse its association with gender and interferon-gamma release assay status.

Method: The retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records and laboratory data of uveitis patients of either gender aged 18-75 years from January 2017 to September 2021. Vitamin D levels were analysed based on predefined criteria, and subgroups were assessed for gender and interferon-gamma release assay status. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.

Results: Of the 120 patients assessed, 63(52.5%) were included; 32(50.8%) females and 31(49.2%) males with median age 40 years (interquartile range: 31-49 years). The median vitamin D level was 14.8ng/ml (interquartile range: 8.2-22.1ng/ml). Hypovitaminosis D was observed in 51(80.9%) patients, with 45(71.4%) deficient and 6(9.5%) insufficient. Male gender and positive interferon-gamma release assay status had significant association with hypovitaminosis D (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Significantly high frequency of hypovitaminosis D was noted in uveitis patients, particularly in males.

Key Words: Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Tuberculosis, Uveitis, Interferon-gamma release assay.