Serum Levels Of Vitamin D In Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

There are few studies on the behavior of vitamin D in patients undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT), although vitamin D serum levels are associated with use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. In some studies, vitamin D deficiency in patients after HSCT is associated with reduced bone density, increased of parathyroid hormone and GVHD.

To study vitamin D deficiency in patients undergoing to HSCT.

51 patients who underwent HSCT at Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil, were studied (28 male, 23 female) with a mean age of 50 ± 16 years, in the period from 2012 to 2013.

54 % had serum levels of vitamin D ≤ 50 nmol/l. And, 12% had serum levels of vitamin D ≤ 25 nmol/l. A multivariate analysis showed that more age and higher Body Mass Index (BMI) were significantly associated to lower serum levels of vitamin D. A negative correlation was found between BMI and serum level of vitamin D (r_p=0,37).

The use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs and less lack of sun exposure during the HSCT and during the first year post-HSCT are associated with a greater tendency to deficiency of vitamin D. This deficiency can cause muscle and bone diseases, which can be prevented with diagnosis and early treatment. The deficiency of vitamin D should be carefully investigated in the elderly and obese patients.

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.