Association of Low Vitamin D Levels with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Objective: To determine association between low vitamin-D levels and acute ischemic stroke in patients presenting in tertiary care hospital.

Study Design:  Case control study.

Place and Duration of Study: This case conducted at the Services Hospital, Lahore, Multan Medical and Dental College Multan and Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore from 28-05-13 to 28-12-13.

Materials and Methods: This study included 200 subjects and divided into 2 groups (cases and controls). Blood sample for Vitamin-D levels were collected and sent to institutional laboratory and results were followed to determine association of low vitamin-D levels with acute ischemic stroke.

Results: Low vitamin-D levels were found in 85% patients of stroke, and in 70% of normal subjects (p=0.009; odds ratio 2.42). Mean vitamin D levels for cases were 35.33 (minimum 12 and maximum 110) and 43.55 (minimum 11, maximum 132) for control group.

Conclusion: Frequency of low vitamin-D levels is higher in stroke patients compared to normal subjects in our population. So, it is recommended to treat vitamin-D deficiency adequately in order to reduce the risk of stroke.